In late February, colleagues from Dorcas offices across East Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, as well as from the International Office, joined the team in Kenya for a learning event.

The goal was to examine how programmes are designed around livelihoods and economic development, as well as climate adaptation and resilience, share lessons across contexts, and leave with sharper thinking and practical tools. Topics covered included value chains, employability and market-focused thinking, as well as land restoration, water resilience and nature-based solutions.

Three key takeaways on climate adaptation and resilience

1. Understand the ecosystem before taking action.

Climate work begins with an understanding of the landscape. Restoration does not always mean planting trees. In some areas, farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR), soil and water conservation, or rangeland management can be more effective. Tailored strategies are more important than speed.

2. Use tools that centre communities.

Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Analysis and Local Adaptation Planning support communities in identifying risks, assessing vulnerabilities and shaping adaptation plans. This ensures that interventions are based on reality rather than assumptions.

3. Nature-based solutions are essential.

Landscape restoration, water harvesting, ecosystem protection and regenerative agriculture strengthen resilience while improving soil quality, biodiversity and productivity. In communities that rely on natural resources, these solutions form the core of their infrastructure.

Three key takeaways on Livelihoods and Economic Development

1. Recognise the livelihood pathway.

Households transition from survival and coping strategies to adapting and engaging with markets. Support must be tailored to their current situation. Families struggling to meet their basic needs require different support to stabilised cooperatives that are ready to engage with value chains.

2. Think in terms of value chains and connect to markets.

The Dorcas Value Chain Approach, informed by evaluations across East Africa, has highlighted both opportunities and challenges. Case studies, including that of the honey value chain in Kitui, Kenya, revealed issues ranging from quality control to market access. Future programmes will focus on creating sustainable, demand-driven opportunities.

Nicodemus, Director of Programmes at Dorcas Yemen, describes:

‘Many participants in Yemen are involved in honey production, and the environment in Kitui is similar to parts of Yemen. We will use these lessons to ensure that project participants take part in sustainable value chain activities, improve production quality and gain access to local markets.’

3. Invest in youth and the long term.

Job and Business Centres, which combine life skills, vocational training and entrepreneurship support, have demonstrated that connecting young people to labour markets is most effective in the long term. Sustainable change requires long-term engagement with communities and market actors.

Learning in practice: field visits

Field visits were a highlight of the event and helped to make abstract concepts more tangible. Participants had the opportunity to visit ongoing Dorcas projects and meet farmers, community groups, and project staff. They observed value chain development in action at the honey cooperative in Kitui and climate adaptation strategies, including land restoration, water management and regenerative agriculture, in Loitoktok in Kajiado County. Participants could ask questions, test assumptions and observe what works and what doesn’t in real contexts.

Andrei, Programme Manager at Dorcas Moldova elaborates:

‘It was incredibly valuable to see the projects in Kenya. The honey value chain project in Kitui was particularly inspiring! It was well organised and close to self-sustained. It could serve as a model for our farmer field schools in Moldova.’

The most inspiring insight

The event highlighted a simple truth: the most effective programmes combine technical expertise with genuine community ownership. Communities that shape solutions achieve sustainable and scalable results, whether the focus is on land restoration, honey production, water management or youth employability.

Daniella, Thematic Expert at Dorcas, describes:

‘The goal of this learning event is not just to learn new tools, but to bring them back to our programmes. The real success will be if, in the coming years, our country offices apply these approaches and build stronger programmes that deliver lasting impact for communities.’

Over the past couple of weeks, the situation in the Middle East has become extremely volatile. Ongoing missile strikes across multiple countries have significantly destabilised the region. Although conditions continue to shift, the overall environment is one of uncertainty and escalating risk. 

Dorcas maintains country offices in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Yemen and Iraq. The impact of recent developments varies considerably across these countries, with Lebanon currently the most affected and facing the greatest needs. This update provides an overview of each country office and how the evolving situation is influencing our work. 

Lebanon 

Lebanon is currently facing a severe and rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis. Sustained airstrikes have affected southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, Baalbek‑Hermel, Beirut, and Mount Lebanon. Large-scale evacuation orders have caused widespread panic and mass displacement. This escalation comes on top of Lebanon’s multi-year economic collapse, leaving communities in urgent need. 

According to UNHCR, around 517,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, with more than 117,000 staying in collective shelters. In addition, in the first week of March, over 70,000 Syrians living in Lebanon and nearly 7,000 Lebanese crossed back to Syria, reflecting the scale of recent movements (source UNHCR, March 9th). Recent numbers indicate a displacement of at least 667,000 people (source UNHCR, March 10th).

Many displaced people are fleeing with minimal belongings, seeking shelter in schools, public spaces, and overcrowded collective shelters. Capacity in these sites is overstretched, with urgent needs for food, safe water, hygiene items, protection, and psychosocial support.

Najla, Dorcas Country Director in Lebanon and Syria, describes:

‘People are out on the roads, on the streets and beaches. They are staying outside at night as they have no place to go. We need to start distributing necessary items, such as food parcels now. People need food today. We cannot wait.’ 

Dorcas has been responding immediately since the beginning of the escalation. The response includes: 

This response is being scaled up rapidly in the coming days and weeks. 

Iraq 

The situation in Iraq is tense. The Dorcas Iraq team is safe and maintaining project activities where possible. Communities are experiencing anxiety, particularly in areas already facing limited services, although many continue to show resilience and remain engaged in programme activities. Our teams remain in close contact with them. 

Our projects in Iraq are somewhat affected by travel restrictions and limited access to certain locations. Some activities in areas such as Sinjar and Basra have been rescheduled due to the security situation. 

In recent days, there have been several recent drone incidents targeting critical sites, including industrial facilities and hotels. These developments are concerning, and Dorcas continues to monitor the situation closely. 

Syria  

The situation in Syria is calm at the moment, and the team has not yet been significantly affected by the recent instability and conflict. Although there have been minor incidents, our colleagues on the ground report that life is continuing relatively unchanged. The Dorcas Syria team has been in regular contact with colleagues in Lebanon, discussing ways to provide support and taking steps to do so. 

Egypt 

The situation in Egypt remains stable. All Dorcas staff, the communities in which we work, and our programmes are safe, and there have been no reports of security threats. The main challenge at present is the substantial increase in prices, which is limiting participants’ access to essential goods and services. 

Yemen 

The situation in Yemen, both in the north and the south, remains relatively calm. There have been no significant new impacts on Dorcas’ projects, and the Dorcas Yemen team is generally coping well. 

However, Yemen continues to face a prolonged crisis that requires urgent attention. In addition, a projected increase in fuel prices is expected to further exacerbate the economic situation. 

The situation in the Middle East has become increasingly unstable in recent days, with ongoing missile strikes reported across several countries in the region. This has led to growing insecurity, disruptions to airspace and transport routes, and rising humanitarian concerns.

While developments continue to shift rapidly, the overall picture is one of regional uncertainty and elevated risk.

Dorcas has Country Offices in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Yemen and Iraq. Our primary concern remains the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, partners, and project participants across the region. We continue to follow developments closely.

We kindly ask you to keep the people in the region in your thoughts and prayers, and to join us in hoping for peace and stability across the Middle East.

Communities in Fedis and Midega Tola woredas, East Hararge, Ethiopia, are facing acute and rapidly worsening food insecurity following prolonged drought conditions. In response, Dorcas has launched a rapid, multi‑sectoral emergency intervention to support 28,000 drought‑affected people in the Fedis and Midega Tola woredas, as well as surrounding towns and market centres including Harar and Dire Dawa.

Running from 31 January to 16 April 2026, the programme is designed to deliver immediate, life‑saving assistance while helping households stabilise their living conditions and reduce reliance on harmful coping strategies. The intervention is funded by the Start Network and implemented by World Jewish Relief, Dorcas Ethiopia, and Coalition Child Support Association at £350,000.

Targeting those in the most vulnerable situations

The crisis disproportionately impacts people already experiencing multiple vulnerabilities. Dorcas prioritises households headed by women and girls, pregnant and caregiving women, persons with disabilities, older adults, and Indigenous populations. These groups were identified through rapid assessments and community consultations as being at the highest risk of deteriorating food security, protection concerns, and loss of income.

A multi‑sectoral approach to an urgent crisis

To respond effectively to diverse and urgent needs, the programme integrates cash assistance, in‑kind support, WASH interventions, and protection services.

Cash transfers

More than 12,600 people will receive multipurpose cash transfers, enabling families to immediately purchase essential food and basic items. Market assessments confirm that local markets are functional and able to absorb increased demand, making cash the most efficient and dignified means of support.

In‑kind support

An additional 13,850 people will benefit from distributions of food and non‑food items. These include WASH materials, shelter kits and health‑related supplies—items that are critical when household resources are severely strained.

WASH activities

Safe access to water, sanitation and hygiene services is essential to preventing disease outbreaks during food crises. The project therefore restores access to safe water and provides hygiene materials to reduce health risks for affected families.

Livelihoods and early recovery support

In addition to meeting immediate survival needs, the project includes activities aimed at protecting and restoring livelihoods. This includes provision of animal feed to prevent further loss of livestock—an asset central to rural livelihoods in East Hararge.

Protection and psychosocial support

Crises heighten risks of exploitation, violence, and social exclusion. Dorcas therefore integrates safeguarding, psychosocial support, and community‑based feedback mechanisms to protect dignity and ensure assistance is appropriate and accountable.

Measuring impact

Success for this rapid response is defined by measurable improvements in household safety, well‑being, dignity, and coping capacity within a 45‑day window. By supporting both immediate needs and early recovery, the intervention aims to reduce the use of negative coping strategies – such as skipping meals, forced migration, or selling essential assets – and to strengthen resilience ahead of longer‑term recovery efforts.

Building foundations for longer‑term recovery

While this emergency response provides urgent assistance, it also creates a foundation for more sustainable interventions. The combination of cash support, livelihood protection and strengthening of local market systems supports communities maintain critical stability while recovery and development programmes are mobilised.

Dorcas remains committed to standing alongside vulnerable households in East Hararge, ensuring they receive the support they need. Not only to survive the current crisis, but to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Iraq is facing one of the most severe climate crises in the region. Temperatures are rising seven times faster than the global average, and the country is expected to experience increasing flooding, drought, and desertification over the coming decade. These pressures are already undermining livelihoods and economic resilience at the household level, contributing to rising poverty.

By 2035, Iraq is expected to have a water deficit of around ten billion cubic metres, driving drought, soil salinisation, and the loss of around 25,000 hectares of agricultural land each year. It is estimated that 70 per cent of Iraq’s agricultural land is at risk of total degradation due to climate change.

Climate needs assessment

Against this backdrop, Dorcas Iraq conducted a qualitative climate needs assessment in Basra, Ninewa (Sinjar) and Duhok between November and December 2025. The assessment aimed to identify priority climate risks and practical actions to strengthen resilience in agriculture, water management, and ecosystems.

Data was gathered through fifteen key informant interviews across Basra, Ninewa, Duhok and Mosul, as well as two focus group discussions in Sinuni (Balef and Ware Khidre villages), involving 21 participants in total.

Key findings

The assessment highlights a consistent pattern across all locations:

Priority needs per governorate

In Basra, severe water scarcity, high salinity, desertification and industrial pollution are all major issues. Priority areas include the implementation of water-efficient irrigation systems, the establishment of local water storage facilities, the rehabilitation of canals, and the strengthening of governance, particularly with regard to industrial water use.

In Ninewa (Sinjar), prolonged drought, high temperatures and erratic rainfall are causing soil degradation and losses to crops and livestock. Support for climate-smart agriculture, including drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting and coaching through demonstration plots, is especially needed for women, youth, smallholders and internally displaced people.

In Duhok, drought, irregular rainfall, land degradation and frequent wildfires are having an impact on forests and livelihoods. Key priorities include integrated water resource management, community water committees and forest fuel management linked to wildfire prevention.

How Dorcas is contributing

Dorcas addresses these needs by planting trees using water-saving methods such as the Waterboxx, distributing fruit tree seedlings, and providing practical climate adaptation training. Forest-focused activities include pruning and establishing a biomass-to-compost value chain to reduce fire risk and improve soil quality. Dorcas also supports institutional capacity building and green jobs programs, including vocational training in mushroom cultivation.

Sargon, Country Director of Dorcas Iraq, explains:

‘Our climate resilience strategy prioritises proactive, evidence-based action. In Basra, we focus on expanding community- and farm-level water storage, improving irrigation efficiency, and addressing soil salinity. In Duhok and Ninewa, we are promoting climate-smart agriculture, restoring degraded land, and strengthening wildfire prevention.

Central to this approach is improved coordination between water authorities, agricultural departments, and local communities, enabling lasting, inclusive climate resilience across Iraq.’

Between 2022 and 2025, Dorcas reached more people facing poverty, displacement and crisis across multiple regions. Five strategic ambitions guided this work. They focused our efforts, deepened our impact, and strengthened our capacity to respond in an increasingly complex world. This period brought both significant achievements and valuable lessons that now shape our path forward.

1. Focus on people who are marginalised

During the period 2022–2025, Dorcas stayed true to its core mission: standing alongside people and communities who are marginalised due to poverty, exclusion or crisis. Across all regions, programmes increasingly focused on groups such as older people, displaced families, and socially excluded communities. This led to tangible progress in areas such as empowerment, protection, access to basic services and community support, demonstrating the strength and relevance of our’ approach. During the strategic period, we also further strengthened and refined our approaches. For example, we strengthened programming on Livelihoods and Economic Development, and developed new programming that targets climate adaptation and resilience.

2. Develop coherent and community‑based programmes

Dorcas made steady progress in developing coherent, community‑based programmes. In our programming, the nexus approach was strengthened by further integrating humanitarian assistance with longer-term development objectives within the context of a community-based approach. Additionally, we increased our lobbying and advocacy efforts, primarily in the Netherlands, where we influenced policymakers. We developed a strategic lobbying and advocacy framework, which we will use to strengthen similar efforts in the countries where we work. We have invested in measuring the outcomes and impact of our work, specifically through a comprehensive results framework based on our theory of change. Furthermore, we have increased learning across our country offices through learning events and cross-country cooperation.

3. Increase the scale and effectiveness of our work

Between 2022 and 2025, Dorcas significantly expanded the scale of its work. Partnerships with local organisations and institutional donors grew stronger, enabling Dorcas to reach more people in need. We invested in strengthening the capacity of our implementation partners by realising systematic capacity assessment and development plans. Additionally, we invested in proposal development capacity to enable us to write higher-quality proposals with a greater chance of success. And we explored new funding methods to complement traditional institutional donor funding, a necessary step in the changing funding landscape, where funding availability is decreasing, and competition for these funds is increasing. This is an ongoing journey that will continue in the coming years.

We explored a potential merger with Help a Child to increase scale, but after careful consideration, decided not to proceed along this route. Nevertheless, we remain committed to collaboration with other organisations to increase our scale and effectiveness in the coming strategic period.

4. Mobilise resources and engage communities

Dorcas’ strong connection with communities in the Netherlands remained a cornerstone of the organisation throughout the strategic period. We developed a new private fundraising strategy and strengthened the processes related to it. We also adapted our internal operations to improve the support we provide to private fundraising and the Dorcas shops. As a result, Dorcas shops grew in number and professionalism, volunteer engagement remained high, and supporter trust and satisfaction were consistently strong. At the same time, we also face challenges due to economic developments and increased competition, which influence donor behaviour. However, with the foundations laid in previous years, we have a strong basis for future growth.

5. Become an agile catalyst and ConnActor

The years 2022–2025 were marked by significant organisational development. Dorcas strengthened its foundations through leadership training, development and implementation of internal processes and systems, enhanced integrity and quality management systems, and increased attention to sustainability. These efforts enabled us to achieve successful (re-)certification on all relevant quality standards, including Core Humanitarian Standard certification. The strategic period also further supported the decentralisation trajectory, in which country offices are strengthened and supported to operate in line with their portfolio and capacity. We will continue these efforts in the coming years, as they are also a cornerstone of our strategy for 2026-2030.

The period 2022-2025 strengthened both our impact and our foundations. We reached more marginalised communities, deepened partnerships, expanded our volunteer network, and built systems that enable quality programming. These achievements, alongside lessons learned about funding challenges and the need for continued adaptation, directly informed our new strategic plan for 2026-2030: Local Power Creates Lasting Change. We enter this next phase better equipped to stand alongside those in need.

Dorcas expresses deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in Aleppo, Syria. According to humanitarian reports, intensified hostilities since early January have led to significant civilian displacement and increased humanitarian needs. Critical infrastructure, including health facilities and schools, has been damaged, further limiting access to essential services.

The situation remains volatile, with thousands of families seeking safety amid harsh winter conditions. The Syria NGO Forum (SNGOF), a platform representing national and international NGOs in Syria – including Dorcas Syria – urges in a statement for the urgent protection of civilians and unhindered access to assistance.

Dorcas stands in solidarity with affected communities and continues to monitor developments closely, advocating for peace and the safeguarding of human dignity.

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Dorcas has joined a coalition of international and national organisations in Yemen to sign a joint statement highlighting the alarming increase in hunger and malnutrition. The statement, released on World Food Day, calls for urgent global action to address one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

Recent reports indicate that food insecurity now affects nearly half of Yemen’s population, leaving millions of families at risk of severe hunger. Malnutrition rates have skyrocketed, with almost one in two children under five now suffering from chronic undernutrition. Furthermore, many communities’ livelihoods continue to collapse under the pressures of conflict, economic instability, and climate shocks.

The situation demands immediate funding to address the most pressing needs, as well as renewed efforts to ensure unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country. Investing in local organisations and integrating measures to protect at-risk communities, especially women and children, from the growing risks of hunger, forced labour and early marriage is also key.

Dorcas continues to work alongside its partners in Yemen to deliver humanitarian assistance, bolster local resilience and promote lasting security and stability. Only through collective commitment and coordinated action can Yemen move towards recovery and a future free from hunger.

Read the full joint statement here.

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Dorcas is proud to announce the publication of its strategic plan 2026-2030: Local power creates lasting change. This roadmap sets out Dorcas’s vision for the coming years, focusing on empowering local communities, driving innovation, and creating measurable impact for people vulnerable to poverty, exclusion, and crises.

Facing a changing world

The world is rapidly evolving, with technological, economic, and demographic shifts often hitting the most marginalised the hardest. Dorcas recognises that the needs of the communities it serves are growing, even as funding environments become more challenging. From climate-induced agricultural issues in Africa to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the isolation of older people in Eastern Europe, Dorcas’s mission is more vital than ever.

Three pillars for impact

The new strategic plan is built on three core pillars:

  • Grow: By 2030, Dorcas aims to reach 1.5 times as many people as our income increases over 60 million euros and a significant increase in volunteers and supporters.
  • Quality: By 2030, Dorcas has a clear track record, invests in quality standards and continuous improvement to ensure its support leads to lasting, positive change.
  • Positioning: Dorcas seeks to be recognised as a leading international partner in humanitarian and development cooperation, with a strong presence in the Netherlands and beyond.

Seven programmatic themes

Dorcas will apply seven programmatic themes to sharpen expertise, strengthen its track record, and define clear organisational positioning. By 2030, Dorcas aims to harmonise and standardise our approaches resulting from these themes through a lens of inclusion and vulnerability, with community-based programming as our core approach.

Dorcas’s approach is defined by the following programmatic themes:

  • Crisis Response
  • Protection
  • Community Development
  • Climate Adaptation
  • Water
  • Livelihoods and Food Security
  • Economic Development

These themes guide Dorcas’s work across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Eastern Africa.

Empowering local communities

A key feature of the strategic plan is the commitment to localisation. Dorcas will invest in building the capacity of local partners and country offices, shifting expertise and resources closer to the communities served. By 2030, country offices will have expanded their programme portfolios by 40 per cent, strengthening both their sustainable presence and overall impact.

Innovation and collaboration

Dorcas will foster a culture of innovation, investing in new ideas and partnerships to address emerging challenges. The organisation will also strengthen its fundraising, aiming to double its supporter base and become the largest charity thrift store chain in the Netherlands.

Looking ahead

Dorcas’s strategic plan 2026-2030 is a response to a fragile and unpredictable world. By focusing on local power, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships, Dorcas is committed to enabling people and communities to flourish in the face of adversity.

Read the full strategic plan:

Dorcas Strategic plan – Local power creates lasting change [2026-2030]Download

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For more than five years, the western parts of Ethiopia, particularly the Wollega area, have faced persistent conflict. On 6 June 2025, violence flared once again in the border villages of East Wollega and Benishangul Gumuz, where clashes between the UAGs (Unidentified Armed Groups) forced thousands to flee their homes. In just one day, more than 11,000 people were displaced, with the unrest quickly spreading to neighbouring communities and pushing the total number of newly displaced to over 22,000. 

The crisis has left families seeking refuge in towns such as Angar under extremely difficult conditions, especially during the rainy season. Urgent humanitarian needs include shelter, food, clean water, and protection, with many people living in overcrowded temporary shelters or public buildings. Health risks are rising due to shortages of essential medicines and limited access to care, while children, women, and older people face heightened vulnerability. 

Emergency response by Dorcas 

Dorcas Ethiopia is launching a rapid emergency project through our project office to provide immediate support to families who have been forced to flee conflict. The project will provide 1,000 internally displaced households with unrestricted cash assistance for two consecutive months, giving them the flexibility to decide how to meet their most urgent basic needs. Priority will be given to households in the most vulnerable circumstances, including those headed by women, older people, people with disabilities, and households affected by chronic illness. 

Dorcas will actively engage with displaced community members by holding community engagement sessions to explain the programme’s objectives, and by listening carefully to feedback through established channels. This ensures that assistance remains transparent and accountable. We will continue to play an active role in local coordination platforms alongside government bodies, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners. This will strengthen other responses and contribute to wider resilience in the region. 

Expected outcomes: 

By addressing the shortfall caused by recent funding cuts, this project will deliver essential life-saving support. Dorcas Ethiopia remains committed to providing long-term support to communities facing hardship in one of the country’s most challenging contexts.