Economic Development
At Dorcas, we support people facing barriers to self-employment and employability. We equip them with essential job skills, guide the start-up of small businesses, and connect them to markets, with the aim of increasing their income and reducing poverty.
We are committed to enhancing economic opportunities by boosting productivity, improving market access, and promoting inclusive growth. Our primary goal is to combat poverty and foster resilient livelihoods, creating a future where people are actively engaged in employment and markets, diversifying and sustaining their income, and improving their overall well-being.
Our programmes focus on employability and skills development, micro-business development, and value chain development, ensuring that individuals and communities have the tools they need to flourish and secure their future.
Building sustainable livelihoods in conflict-affected communities in Ukraine
From September 2024 to April 2025, Dorcas Ukraine led the 'Restoring Hope' project, which improved employment opportunities for those affected by the conflict in the Zaporizhzhia and Zakarpattia regions.
Particular attention was given to supporting women raising children alone, mothers with multiple children, internally displaced persons living in collective centres, and families caring for older relatives or people with disabilities.
Each project participant acquired professional skills and received a toolkit to facilitate their work.
Empowering women through the Farmer Field School in Egypt
Fatma is an inspiring example of a woman from Egypt who has become a self-sufficient and flourishing entrepreneur. Through the Dorcas Farmer Field School, she acquired the skills to produce laundry detergent and turned this knowledge into a successful business. Today, she earns an income, supports her family and saves for the future.
Watch the video below to find out more.
Stories and articles
How beekeeping strengthens food security in Kenya’s drylands
Across Kenya, communities are experiencing the growing impacts of climate change. Rainfall has become increasingly erratic, harvests are less reliable, and many rural families struggle to secure enough food throughout the year. In the semi-arid […]
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The Dorcas Food Campaign: Fighting hunger and poverty
Food is a fundamental human right, yet hunger remains a global issue. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)1, around 673 million people around the world living with hunger due to adverse conditions such […]
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Supporting families in crisis in Ukraine
Reading time: 2 minutes In Ukraine, many families are forced to flee the ongoing conflict, seeking safety in western regions such as Transcarpathia. This displacement has a severe impact on their livelihoods and overall well-being. […]
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Building sustainable livelihoods in conflict-affected communities in Ukraine
From September 2024 to April 2025, Dorcas Ukraine led the ‘Restoring Hope’ project, which aimed to improve employment opportunities for those affected by the conflict in the Zaporizhzhia and Zakarpattia regions. Following completion, we assessed […]
Read