After the devastation caused by the 1998 hurricane, CIET assisted a coalition of non-governmental organisations to monitor Nicaragua’s response in two phases, one in February and another in September 1999. During this six month period, out of every three households affected, one said its situation had improved, one saw no change and one said things had gotten worse. Topics covered included food-for-work, housing assistance, aid for agricultural recovery, domestic violence and emotional support and security against future disasters. Among households that received some assistance, 17% credited central or local government for it while 59% said it came from civic or religious organisations.

The study was supported by funds from the Swiss Agency for International Development (ASDI), Spanish INTERMON, the Ford Foundation and NOVIB.