Introduction
South of the Sahara
Sub-Saharan Africa comprises 49 nations and a huge diversity of cultures, languages and landscapes. This means international cooperation in Africa must be context-sensitive and adaptable to changing circumstances.
The region has a large number of natural resources and a very young population. By 2050, half of the population will be under 25.
With one of the world's biggest emerging free trade areas and a market of over a billion people, there is great potential for economic development in the region.
With one of the world's biggest emerging free trade areas and a market of over a billion people, there is great potential for economic development in the region.
Sub-Saharan Africa also faces major challenges. The impacts of climate change threaten food security and livelihoods, and armed conflicts cast a shadow over the daily lives of many people
Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2021–24 focuses on four priorities: employment, migration, climate change and the rule of law. Because these themes overlap, Switzerland's projects at bilateral and regional level are comprehensive and cross-thematic.
Switzerland is committed to upholding the humanitarian principles and international law, which is why humanitarian aid is an integral part of Swiss foreign policy.
In protracted crises, there is a vital interplay (nexus) between humanitarian aid, development cooperation and peacebuilding.
Switzerland is committed to upholding the humanitarian principles and international law, which is why humanitarian aid is an integral part of Swiss foreign policy.
In protracted crises, there is a vital interplay (nexus) between humanitarian aid, development cooperation and peacebuilding.
East and Southern Africa
East and Southern Africa
Switzerland carries out development cooperation programmes in Mozambique, Tanzania and the Great Lakes region
(Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo), and in Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is also active in the provision of humanitarian aid throughout the region.
Switzerland is involved in health, rural development, private sector development, employment, food security and governance. It factors climate-related risks into its activities, and so includes climate change adaptation and risk reduction measures.
Switzerland is involved in health, rural development, private sector development, employment, food security and governance. It factors climate-related risks into its activities, and so includes climate change adaptation and risk reduction measures.
West Africa
West Africa
Switzerland works in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger and oversees programmes covering the entire West Africa region. It also
provides humanitarian aid in response to the conflict in the Lake Chad region (focus Nigeria).
In West Africa, Switzerland is committed to local governance, conflict prevention and the promotion of human rights, food security, job and income creation, and basic and vocational education including education in emergencies.
In West Africa, Switzerland is committed to local governance, conflict prevention and the promotion of human rights, food security, job and income creation, and basic and vocational education including education in emergencies.
Horn and Central Africa
Horn and Central Africa
Switzerland's work in the Horn of Africa revolves around the Somali context and a programme in Chad. Switzerland also runs humanitarian programmes (complemented by development initiatives) in
Sudan, South Sudan, Central Africa, the Central African Republic and Cameroon, and carries out projects in Eritrea.
In the Horn of Africa, Switzerland is active in areas such as building trust in public institutions, increasing resilience to the consequences of natural disasters, protecting displaced people and civilians in armed conflicts, food security, health, and access to water and sanitation.
In the Horn of Africa, Switzerland is active in areas such as building trust in public institutions, increasing resilience to the consequences of natural disasters, protecting displaced people and civilians in armed conflicts, food security, health, and access to water and sanitation.
Regional Programmes
Regional Programmes
Switzerland carries out regional programmes and ad-hoc medium-term actions spanning several countries. This allows it to make use of cross-border dynamics, test new approaches and collaborate with regional organisations.
Mali
MaliThreatened food and nutrition security
Attacks on civilians, blockades of villages, destruction of crops by armed groups: the deteriorating security situation in Mali has forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of people, compelling them to abandon their fields and livestock.
More than 7 million people depend on humanitarian assistance in Mali. Food imports have reached 70%. The regions of Mopti in the centre and Timbuktu in the north of the country are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and therefore to the risk of famine.
More than 7 million people depend on humanitarian assistance in Mali. Food imports have reached 70%. The regions of Mopti in the centre and Timbuktu in the north of the country are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and therefore to the risk of famine.
In partnership with the consortium ACF Spain and the International Rescue Committee, Switzerland set up a food and nutritional insecurity response project integrating protection (RIAP) in 2022. The CHF 2.8 million project covers the regions of Mopti and Timbuktu.
RIAP was designed using a nexus approach, combining humanitarian and development interventions applied in conflict situations.
RIAP was designed using a nexus approach, combining humanitarian and development interventions applied in conflict situations.
Among the emergency aid measures, RIAP provides targeted food assistance in the form of cash transfers during the agricultural lean season, between June and November. During this period, villages are at risk of food shortages because the previous year's reserves are exhausted and new harvests are not yet ready.
Thanks to these measures, beneficiaries can buy seeds and other agricultural inputs, stock up on food and fodder and continue their activities.
Mossa has received support for his family garden: «Every day I harvest cabbages, tomatoes, peppers,
potatoes, carrots and aubergines.»
When his harvest is good, he shares his produce with his neighbours.
Within the framework of RIAP, Switzerland is also committed to ensuring that the population can use agricultural and pastoral land without being exposed to abuse. The project thus contributes to reducing risks and promoting a protective environment.
Advocacy actions are undertaken to mitigate the impact of armed conflict on the population by mobilising community or religious leaders close to the armed groups.
Advocacy actions are undertaken to mitigate the impact of armed conflict on the population by mobilising community or religious leaders close to the armed groups.
To date, RIAP has covered the food and nutritional needs of over 30’000 people.
Thanks to a system of early detection, children suffering from malnutrition are rapidly treated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also benefit from nutritional monitoring. In addition, an innovative monitoring mechanism using satellite imagery and agricultural monitoring allows data on the food situation and population movements to be collected and analysed and communicated to the responsible authorities.
For more information:
SDC – Mali
Thanks to a system of early detection, children suffering from malnutrition are rapidly treated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women also benefit from nutritional monitoring. In addition, an innovative monitoring mechanism using satellite imagery and agricultural monitoring allows data on the food situation and population movements to be collected and analysed and communicated to the responsible authorities.
For more information:
SDC – Mali
South Sudan
South SudanProtection of civilians and peacebuilding
Since its independence, South Sudan has been deemed a fragile state and beset by armed conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Violence, food shortages and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts cast a shadow over the daily lives of the people there.
Violence, food shortages and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts cast a shadow over the daily lives of the people there.
Women and young people especially face numerous risks. Forced evictions, gender-based violence and forced recruitment are commonplace.
National institutions are barely in position to protect the population or provide urgently needed basic services such as education, healthcare, access to clean water and legal protection.
The project trains and supports Women Protection Teams so that they can take a leading role in protection and peacebuilding in their communities.
Individuals threatened by violence are protected by patrols and escorts. The teams accompany victims of sexual and gender-based violence to places that can offer them support.
Peace dialogues reduce tensions within and between communities. The training creates social cohesion and helps to overcome and reduce violence.
Early warning systems alert the population and protect them from further acts of violence.
Burkina Faso
Burkina FasoTrees and food security
Non-wood forest products (NWFP) have great potential to contribute to the food security of the population in Burkina Faso. This potential is currently underexploited by rural households and community NWFP enterprises.
The nutritional situation of vulnerable households remains alarming due to food shortages and low incomes. Livelihoods have been further weakened by the deteriorating security situation, which has led to large-scale population movements.
The resettlement of IDPs in host communities has led to socio-economic and environmental problems. Climate change is further aggravating the situation, putting pressure on already declining populations of species such as the tamarind and baobab trees.
The resettlement of IDPs in host communities has led to socio-economic and environmental problems. Climate change is further aggravating the situation, putting pressure on already declining populations of species such as the tamarind and baobab trees.
In cooperation with the NGO Tree Aid, Switzerland promotes the sustainable exploitation and use of NWFPs.
Gardens are being planted and people trained to grow and care for moringa and baobab trees. This helps improve their resilience to climate and security shocks through diversified and sustainable food production systems
Gardens are being planted and people trained to grow and care for moringa and baobab trees. This helps improve their resilience to climate and security shocks through diversified and sustainable food production systems
Trees such as moringa are extremely drought-resistant and can be harvested for consumption after just three months. Almost all parts of the moringa tree are edible, from the leaves to the roots.
100g of moringa leaves contain about as much protein as an egg, as much calcium as a glass of milk, as much iron as a 200g beef steak, as much vitamin A as a carrot and as much vitamin C as an orange.
100g of moringa leaves contain about as much protein as an egg, as much calcium as a glass of milk, as much iron as a 200g beef steak, as much vitamin A as a carrot and as much vitamin C as an orange.
The surplus of the production is marketed by women, who are trained in processing the leaves and selling the products. They receive contracts from municipalities and humanitarian NGOs to supply school canteens and put together nutrition packs (moringa-based biscuits) for internally displaced children and pregnant women.
Acquiring new skills in the production and processing of moringa and baobab leaves as a source of income and nutrition has facilitated the socio-economic reintegration of nearly 33’000 people. Around 14’600
people (71% women) are self-employed as a result.
For more information:
SDC – Burkina Faso
Tree Aid – Growing Food and Incomes
Tree Aid – Super Trees
For more information:
SDC – Burkina Faso
Tree Aid – Growing Food and Incomes
Tree Aid – Super Trees
Benin
BeninA bilingual education approach
More than 53 languages are spoken in Benin and a very large percentage of the population are children and adolescents. This poses major challenges for the country's education system.
Despite considerable progress in the education sector, Benin has not yet reached its national education targets. Some 28% of children between the ages of 5 and 24 have never attended school. Another 10% drop out of school without acquiring the minimum reading, writing and maths skills.
Despite considerable progress in the education sector, Benin has not yet reached its national education targets. Some 28% of children between the ages of 5 and 24 have never attended school. Another 10% drop out of school without acquiring the minimum reading, writing and maths skills.
Drawing on its own expertise in literacy and multilingualism and on the expertise of specialists from Benin, Switzerland has developed a model for a bilingual education option tailored to the needs of children aged 9 to 15.
The programme is specifically aimed at girls, foster children, talibés
–
children who are educated in Quranic schools and often live away from home
–,
children with special needs and impairments, and children from nomadic families.
Between 2011 and 2021, 98 Barka education centres were established as an alternative. Within four years, the school dropout rate for girls fell from 13% to 6%. Sexual and reproductive health education and awareness programmes have resulted in fewer pregnancies among girls and young women.
Between 2011 and 2021, 98 Barka education centres were established as an alternative. Within four years, the school dropout rate for girls fell from 13% to 6%. Sexual and reproductive health education and awareness programmes have resulted in fewer pregnancies among girls and young women.
After four years of school, the children from the Barka centres have the opportunity to transfer to secondary school or start vocational training. Although the project has been welcomed by all those involved, only 10’000 children have completed a programme of this kind.
Benin is seeking to promote dual vocational training and is increasingly involving the private sector in education. The programme will continue to build on the educational alternatives in existing regions and will work with the government and local authorities to scale up its impact and allow more children to go to school.
Benin is seeking to promote dual vocational training and is increasingly involving the private sector in education. The programme will continue to build on the educational alternatives in existing regions and will work with the government and local authorities to scale up its impact and allow more children to go to school.
«PAEFE children have a better chance than those in the formal system because they start with the mother tongue and go to French. It would be great if the formal school could do the same to give learners more chance.» : Dolorès DJESSOUHO, PAEFE facilitator in N'Dali For more information:
SDC – Benin
Youtube – Coopération Suisse au Bénin
SDC – Benin
Youtube – Coopération Suisse au Bénin
Tanzania
TanzaniaSocial protection against poverty
In 2000, the Tanzanian government established the
«Tanzania Social Action Fund»
(TASAF), a social protection mechanism strongly geared towards reducing extreme poverty and safeguarding against relapses into poverty. Its core instruments are cash transfers, public work and livelihood enhancement. The Swiss contribution to the TASAF covers approximately 100'000 beneficiaries.
TASAF contributes to improving livelihoods and increasing household incomes, savings, assets and investments of communities. In remote areas, it also supports infrastructure development (for example in the health, education, water sectors) under the public works programme.
The programme helps to roll out electronic payment solutions across the country.
Conditional cash transfers, for example for children's education, and livelihood grants are increasingly paid electronically to beneficiaries' mobile wallets or bank accounts.
In addition to managing cash benefits, the programme monitors health and education compliance in beneficiary households, which improves children's education and enables families to live independently without their children working. This enables the children to go to school. Enrolment in school increased from 70% to 79% while average child labour decreased by 19 hours per week.
Conditional cash transfers, for example for children's education, and livelihood grants are increasingly paid electronically to beneficiaries' mobile wallets or bank accounts.
In addition to managing cash benefits, the programme monitors health and education compliance in beneficiary households, which improves children's education and enables families to live independently without their children working. This enables the children to go to school. Enrolment in school increased from 70% to 79% while average child labour decreased by 19 hours per week.
The programme focuses on improving people's livelihoods, enabling them to become economically active so that they can exit the programme.
To achieve this, TASAF promotes access to financial services and small enterprise development. Savings and investment support groups help people create a pool of resources to support their daily expenses and to run their own businesses. So far, over 30'000 savings groups and a total of over 400'000 members have been mobilised. This is followed by training and business coaching.
Switzerland supports 200 beneficiaries from Kilosa, Misungwi, Singida and Pemba District Councils on this graduation process. The project is now able to use these lessons learnt to scale up further.
To achieve this, TASAF promotes access to financial services and small enterprise development. Savings and investment support groups help people create a pool of resources to support their daily expenses and to run their own businesses. So far, over 30'000 savings groups and a total of over 400'000 members have been mobilised. This is followed by training and business coaching.
Switzerland supports 200 beneficiaries from Kilosa, Misungwi, Singida and Pemba District Councils on this graduation process. The project is now able to use these lessons learnt to scale up further.
In 2021/2022, the programme reached over 1.3 million (55.7% women) households.
The programme has a significant impact in helping to give women a voice in the use of income and in children's health and education issues.
Around 100'000 households have received payments from the introduced disability pension scheme
Since the beginning of the programme, the household savings rate increased by almost 4% and the number of self-employed people working outside the agricultural sector by 4.3%.
For more information:
SDC – Tanzania
SDC – TASAF
For more information:
SDC – Tanzania
SDC – TASAF
Mozambique
MozambiquePromoting access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and healthcare infrastructure
Switzerland promotes access to quality water, sanitation and hygiene services and healthcare infrastructure in Niassa Province. This improves the health of the rural population.
Over 280’000 people (52% women) have benefited from better access to drinking water (within 500 metres of their homes) and 400’000 people from improved latrines. The number of diarrhoeal diseases among women and young children has declined by more than half since 2017. The programme aimed to facilitate 22’000 safe births in maternity clinics accompanied by qualified personnel. It has achieved this target twice over.
Over 280’000 people (52% women) have benefited from better access to drinking water (within 500 metres of their homes) and 400’000 people from improved latrines. The number of diarrhoeal diseases among women and young children has declined by more than half since 2017. The programme aimed to facilitate 22’000 safe births in maternity clinics accompanied by qualified personnel. It has achieved this target twice over.
Niassa Province has poor general sanitation and healthcare
infrastructure. Only about half of the population has safe access to clean water and barely one third can access adequate sanitation facilities.
Poor sanitation, a lack of hygiene items and inadequate access to healthcare services leave the population highly vulnerable to bacterial diseases such as cholera.
Poor sanitation, a lack of hygiene items and inadequate access to healthcare services leave the population highly vulnerable to bacterial diseases such as cholera.
The project follows a decentralised and inclusive approach that promotes local organisation and community cohesion.
Facilities are managed by local advisory bodies for water, sanitation and health consisting of 50 per cent women. Households play an active part in the running and maintenance of the facilities.
Facilities are managed by local advisory bodies for water, sanitation and health consisting of 50 per cent women. Households play an active part in the running and maintenance of the facilities.
To help the authorities respond better to local needs and allocate resources appropriately, local government representatives take
part in the dialogue. The districts develop plans and engage the private sector.
Cooperatives of local craftspeople have been established to ensure the sustainable maintenance of the systems.
Cooperatives of local craftspeople have been established to ensure the sustainable maintenance of the systems.
The impact of the project has been particularly noticeable for women and girls. They have better access to public clean and private facilities during menstruation and receive adequate hygiene items. They are involved in decision-making processes throughout the project.
For more information on the positive impact of the project on girls and women:
Interview with Anita Bhatia #1
Interview with Anita Bhatia #2
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the CongoHumanitarian aid and creating perspectives in North Kivu
Switzerland is providing humanitarian aid and trying to create perspectives for people living North Kivu, one of the provinces most affected by armed conflict and displacement.
Besides the building of sanitation facilities, access to clean drinking water and cash transfers Switzerland creates opportunities for people to generate their own income and be self-sufficient.
Humanitarian aid is essential to the people of North Kivu. The province is marked by violence and many people have been internally displaced (≈ 2 million). Many have lost their livelihoods and are now even more vulnerable to further shocks and deteriorating conditions.
Access to basic services such as education, health and infrastructure has become considerably more difficult for the local population. It is a challenge to get external aid to people in the affected areas. With fewer opportunities to buy and sell goods, basic necessities are extremely expensive – if available at all.
Switzerland is therefore building roads and bridges to facilitate transport to the area. The three engineers from Switzerland involved in this process are accompanied and supported by the partner organisation HEKS.
Improved access both facilitates humanitarian aid deliveries to the region and enables access to markets and the buying and selling of goods. This counteracts the rise in prices for goods and at the same time stimulates trade, which generates income.
Improved access both facilitates humanitarian aid deliveries to the region and enables access to markets and the buying and selling of goods. This counteracts the rise in prices for goods and at the same time stimulates trade, which generates income.
Switzerland is improving people's nutritional self-sufficiency by revitalising and strengthening the farming and fishing sectors. The households that benefited from the project increased their maize production and fishing ponds have been rehabilitated. This opens up opportunities for people to feed their families and sell any surplus.
Emergency jobs and direct cash transfers help to bridge the gap in lean periods. The provision of sanitary facilities and training in hygiene practices reduce the risk of infection and disease. In addition, access to clean drinking water is improved.
This approach combining humanitarian aid and development cooperation activities alleviates the plight of those affected while giving them the opportunity to lead a reasonably independent life. Especially for younger people, such prospects are extremely important. In this way, Switzerland offers young men an alternative to joining fighting armed militias.
Dauerhafte Lösungen für BinnenvertriebeneHorn von Afrika
Stellen Sie den Ton an!
Während Sie die Bilder sehen, hören Sie Teile eines Podcasts über dauerhafte Lösungen für Binnenvertriebene.
Der Podcast ist übersetzt und untertitelt.
Der Podcast erläutert Ursachen und Herausforderungen der Binnenvertreibung und schildert mögliche dauerhafte Lösungen für die Binnenvertriebenen am Horn von Afrika.
Während Sie die Bilder sehen, hören Sie Teile eines Podcasts über dauerhafte Lösungen für Binnenvertriebene.
Der Podcast ist übersetzt und untertitelt.
Der Podcast erläutert Ursachen und Herausforderungen der Binnenvertreibung und schildert mögliche dauerhafte Lösungen für die Binnenvertriebenen am Horn von Afrika.
Die Schweiz engagiert sich in Somalia für dauerhafte Lösungen. Jede fünfte binnenvertriebene Person flüchtet in städtische und vorstädtische Gebiete. Binnenvertriebene tragen somit zur verstärkten Urbanisierung von Ländern wie Somalia bei.
Martina Durrer kommt von einem Besuch bei einem Projekt zur Integration von Binnenvertriebenen in der Stadt Baidoa zurück.
Martina Durrer kommt von einem Besuch bei einem Projekt zur Integration von Binnenvertriebenen in der Stadt Baidoa zurück.
Im Rahmen des Projekts wurden gemeinsam mit der Stadt Baidoa Flächen am Stadtrand ausgewählt, auf denen dauerhafte Wohnmöglichkeiten für die Binnenvertriebenen geschaffen werden können.
Die Grundstücke und die Umgebung gewinnen durch den Aufbau der nötigen Infrastruktur an Wert und werden interessant für weitere Investitionen. Schulen, Gesundheitseinrichtungen und Strassen machen die Quartiere attraktiver und führen dazu, dass die Menschen dort leben wollen. Natürlichen müssen die Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner auch einkaufen können. Dank der Geschäfte, die öffnen, entstehen – sowohl für die Binnenvertriebenen als auch für die Lokalbevölkerung – Arbeitsplätze und Verdienstmöglichkeiten.
Ziel des Projekts ist es, dass die Binnenvertriebenen ein selbstbestimmtes Leben führen und sich in die Lokalbevölkerung integrieren können. Es ist ein Ansatz, von dem beide Seiten profitieren können.
Die Grundstücke und die Umgebung gewinnen durch den Aufbau der nötigen Infrastruktur an Wert und werden interessant für weitere Investitionen. Schulen, Gesundheitseinrichtungen und Strassen machen die Quartiere attraktiver und führen dazu, dass die Menschen dort leben wollen. Natürlichen müssen die Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner auch einkaufen können. Dank der Geschäfte, die öffnen, entstehen – sowohl für die Binnenvertriebenen als auch für die Lokalbevölkerung – Arbeitsplätze und Verdienstmöglichkeiten.
Ziel des Projekts ist es, dass die Binnenvertriebenen ein selbstbestimmtes Leben führen und sich in die Lokalbevölkerung integrieren können. Es ist ein Ansatz, von dem beide Seiten profitieren können.
Impact Linked Finance Fund
Impact Linked Finance FundFinancial incentives for positive sustainable impact
More private investment is needed in the Global South to finance efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Impact-Linked Financing project creates financial incentives for sustainable development by linking the financing of enterprises with measurable social and environmental impact. This innovative financial solution leverages public development funds to attract private investment, which in turn helps the enterprise to grow and scale up its impact.
Switzerland works together with the private sector to finance enterprises with a social mandate to develop goals and methods. These enterprises offer products and services at affordable prices to underserved customers in lower and lower-middle income groups and therefore have a positive impact on society.
Switzerland helps these enterprises to scale up their activities so they can help more people. This type of financing for investment also helps companies attract additional private sector funding.
The scheme offers high-impact enterprises time-limited rewards for achieving social impact. The company must already have at least one private investor and the additional security provided by the public funding helps attract further private investment.
The scheme also grants repayable loans whose interest rate falls based on the achievement of agreed social outcomes.
Watch the SIINC explainer video.
The scheme also grants repayable loans whose interest rate falls based on the achievement of agreed social outcomes.
Watch the SIINC explainer video.
Jacaranda Maternity receives reward payments
to a maximum of CHF 270’000. These help the business invest further to allow it to cater to more underserved, low-income patients.
The indicator for positive social impact is the number of patients. Switzerland rewards it with a payment if the number of patients it serves grows.
to a maximum of CHF 270’000. These help the business invest further to allow it to cater to more underserved, low-income patients.
The indicator for positive social impact is the number of patients. Switzerland rewards it with a payment if the number of patients it serves grows.
The more low-income patients receive quality care, the more rewards Jacaranda receives, enabling it to invest further and generate long-term returns.
The leverage effect is 5.5:1, i.e. CHF 1 of public money from Switzerland attracted CHF 5.5 of private capital.
Shamba Pride is a Kenyan distributor of agricultural products and services that offers an online-to-offline commerce platform (DigiShop).
The business buys agricultural inputs (seed, fertilisers, etc.) at preferential prices from producers in urban and semi-urban areas and sells them in DigiShops in rural areas, thus bypassing several stages in the distribution chain. This allows the business to sell its products much cheaper and complement them with product-specific training in rural areas.
Shamba Pride receives reward payments capped at CHF 250’000. This enables the business to increase the number of its DigiShops in sparsely populated, arid and semi-arid areas, thus pursuing Switzerland's intended social outcome.
The more remote shops Shamba Pride opens and the more sustainable and climate-resistant products it offers, the more payments it receives.
It has attracted CHF 720’000 in private capital, which is a ratio of 2.9:1.
For more information:
SDC – Private sector development and financial services
The more remote shops Shamba Pride opens and the more sustainable and climate-resistant products it offers, the more payments it receives.
It has attracted CHF 720’000 in private capital, which is a ratio of 2.9:1.
For more information:
SDC – Private sector development and financial services
Regional Livestock Programm
Regional project to support the livestock sectorHorn of Africa
The Horn of Africa – Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia – is an ecologically fragile region and home to pastoralist communities that are among the poorest people in the world.
Livestock production is the livelihood for nearly 20 million households in the region's drylands, from livestock rearing to dairy and meat processing, slaughterhouses and animal health services.
Livestock production is the livelihood for nearly 20 million households in the region's drylands, from livestock rearing to dairy and meat processing, slaughterhouses and animal health services.
The region repeatedly endures severe ecological shocks exacerbated by climate change. Currently, an unprecedented multi-year drought continues, worsening the food situation for millions of people.
As part of the «Regional Livestock Program», Switzerland aims to improve the resilience of pastoralist communities to climate change in order to safeguard the livelihoods of these vulnerable communities. The project treats the regional livestock markets in the Horn of Africa as a single, interdependent system and supports pastoralist communities along the cross-border trade corridors in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.
As part of the «Regional Livestock Program», Switzerland aims to improve the resilience of pastoralist communities to climate change in order to safeguard the livelihoods of these vulnerable communities. The project treats the regional livestock markets in the Horn of Africa as a single, interdependent system and supports pastoralist communities along the cross-border trade corridors in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.
Trade corridors are geographical routes along which people migrate with their animals. Along the way, they pass important infrastructures such as water points, grazing areas, government trading offices, disease surveillance and control systems, and markets.
The inefficient functioning of this infrastructure currently limits the potential of the livestock sector in the region. Switzerland is therefore committed to strengthening this infrastructure in the region.
A key aspect is the management of grazing areas to prevent overuse and further degradation.
Locally applied customs and institutions for the management and use of natural resources are respected and supported. At the same time, climate and weather information technologies are used to improve the ecological health of rangelands and reduce climate risks.
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South of the Sahara
Overview
East and Southern Africa
West Africa
Projects
Horn and Central Africa
Regional Programmes
Mali
South Sudan
Burkina Faso
Benin
Tanzania
Mozambique
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dauerhafte Lösungen für Binnenvertriebene
Impact Linked Finance Fund
Regional project to support the livestock sector
