Oxfam Ireland’s development programme aims to support the poorest communities in Africa in a way that avoids dependency. We help people to help themselves, accessing their basic rights to a secure livelihood, shelter, clean water, education and healthcare. We empower people to seek their rights at a local and national level and to have a voice in how their lives are governed.

Improving livelihoods

To encourage communities to find sustainable ways to support themselves, Oxfam works with local partner organisations to adopt better agricultural techniques, improve their ability to market their produce, and develop local small businesses. We support and promote the rights of pastoralists and other marginalised groups to have secure access to their land and together we lobby policy makers at national and international levels to establish fairer trade policies for all.

Find out more about Oxfam’s livelihoods programme »

Improving health services and education

HIV and AIDS and lack of education have a huge impact on poverty because they affect millions of people whose work could drive their countries’ economies and services. That’s why we support the work of partner organisations that care for those who are ill and promote access to education. And we continue to challenge trade organisations, governments and drug companies to make decisions that will help to improve the health of millions of poor people by providing access to education and to affordable generic medicines.

Find out more about Oxfam’s HIV and AIDS programme »