Brazil

Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country. With a population of 160 million, it extends across half the landmass of South America.
Its national economy is the most powerful in Latin America, but wealth is unevenly distributed: the richest 10% of the population enjoy 85 times the income of the poorest 10%. Despite significant levels of agricultural, mineral and industrial production, 60% of Brazilians live in poverty. It is estimated that 32 million people go hungry every day.

In Brazil, we have projects providing support around HIV/AIDS, sustainable livelihoods and social development. All of our work aims to increase the participation of local people in the decision-making that affects them. We usually have between 14 and 18 Development Workers who work with local partner organisations to support them in the development of sustainable responses to the issues people face.

International Service has been active in Brazil for more than 20 years, operating in the impoverished Northeast and in the Amazon Basin. The two regions share problems in providing access to health care, sanitation, clean water and education. The North suffers from lack of accessibility and the North East suffers from drought.  

Much of our work in the Northeast happens in Pernambuco State. Pernambuco is one of the poorest states where 64% of people live on less than $1 a day. The best quality land in the state is occupied by large sugar cane estates that produce bio-fuel. Working 12-hour shifts in scorching heat and appalling conditions, workers earn the equivalent of 50p for every tonne of sugar cane they cut .

The alternatives are equally difficult. Poor quality land and a lack of available space means that small farmers are generally restricted to growing maize and beans. This leaves farmers vulnerable to crop failures and price fluctuations.


View Larger Map