Tanzania is one of the world’s poorest countries and is home to Oxfam Ireland’s first country-based office. Having a country office allows Oxfam Ireland to get closer to people on the ground. Our presence here allows us to support the work of poor people more effectively. The vast majority of the population are rurally based, are dependent on agriculture and are poor. Like many countries in the region, Tanzania has been badly hit by the HIV epidemic. Levels of basic social service provision in areas such as education are low.

Livelihoods programme

In Tanzania, Oxfam Ireland works to strengthen the possibilities for poor farmers to get better prices for their produce such as maize, vegetables and other newer crops such as paprika. Other projects include helping groups such as Maasai pastoralists to secure their land rights.

HIV and AIDS programme

Oxfam Ireland works with seven partner organisations in Tanzania to promote awareness and to provide care and support to people living with HIV and AIDS. In addition we are also supporting other non-HIV specialist organisations to include HIV and AIDS awareness in their own workplace and communities.

Amazing People: short profiles of Oxfam staff and volunteers in Kiwakukki.

• Read a booklet of case studies from Oxfam partner organisations in Tanzania

One of our longest-standing partners, a home-grown organisation of healthcare professionals and volunteers, Tanga AIDS Working Group has been officially recognised for his HIV and AIDS work – winning a Tanzanian Presidential Certificate of Merit in 2004 and being nominated for the International Red Ribbon Award in 2006.

Tanga AIDS Working Group website

Education

In 2002 the Tanzanian Government scrapped all education fees, a move influenced by the pioneering research and advocacy of our partner, Maarifa ni Ufunguo. Huge challenges remain enormous both in terms of the quantity of education – classroom sizes in some of the areas are in the region of 100 students – as well as the quality of education.

Agnes Nangwirir

€18/ £14 can provide School books from Oxfam Unwrapped. A set of school books will do a world of good, helping children in Tanzania to learn and teachers to teach. For families living in poverty, who can’t afford to pay for school materials, this gift ensures children get the education they deserve.