Africa Region
Dorcas is active in four countries in Eastern Africa: Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania.
Throughout the region we work to empower and protect women and girls in areas such as FGM, early marriage and menstrual hygiene.
We support people set up small-scale business and deliver life skills training to youth - supporting them gain real prospects for the future.
Clean cooking in Tanzania
In Tanzania, woodfuel remains the most widely used source of household energy. However, its continued use is having a devastating impact on both human health and the environment, contributing to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and climate change.
But what are the sustainable alternatives to traditional cooking methods? And how can we transition to clean cooking solutions that protect people and the planet?
'My milk yield increased from three to six litres per day'
Boniface, a 28-year-old pastoralist and dairy farmer from Kikome village in Makueni County, joined our Makueni Pasture and Milk Value Chains Project. He cultivated a small plot of land but had limited knowledge of pasture management, seed selection, and planting techniques. Through the project’s targeted training, Boniface gained the skills needed to improve his farming practices and increase productivity.
Project participants who recieved vital support through our interventions.
Children who were supported through our programmes and safety nets.
Entrepreneurs who were part of our Enterprising People approach.
Ethiopia
In Africa's oldest independent country, some 23.5 per cent of people live in poverty, according to national poverty lines
At Dorcas Ethiopia, we focus on creating livelihood opportunities, especially for young people. Additionally, we support farmers in setting up their agri-businesses by promoting value chains.
Dorcas works to support older people in need and to promote child protection. By providing a combination of education, psychosocial support, awareness-raising and community mobilisation programmes, we create a more stable family environment in which children can flourish.
South Sudan
Years of conflict in South Sudan have resulted in a protracted humanitarian crisis. The situation has been exacerbated by refugees from Sudan who have fled to South Sudan. Currently, 67.3 per cent of people live below the poverty line of $2.15 a day.
To increase the effectiveness of our work, ZOA Dorcas South Sudan was established in 2022, combining the strengths of ZOA and Dorcas to enhance our impact. Thanks to our complementary expertise and geographical coverage, we can reach those most affected by crises more effectively.
Kenya
In 2024, nearly 50,000 people participated in our programmes in Kenya. Dorcas Kenya works to protect and support marginalised people and groups. We achieve this through community-based programmes such as WASH, as well as through value chains.
Our approach focuses on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for enterprising people, particularly women and young people, in remote regions that are severely affected by climate extremes.
Tanzania
In 2024, 27,454 people participated in our programmes in Tanzania. Through our work, we promote child protection and establish community safety nets to support those in need. We also provide entrepreneurs with training to support them to increase their household income and improve their living conditions.
Through our PIP programme, we assist farmers in becoming more resilient to external shocks, such as climate change, while enhancing their agricultural and livestock knowledge.
One of Dorcas Tanzania's key initiatives is Menstrual Hygiene Management for Her. Through this programme, we promote gender equality and break the taboo surrounding female menstruation. This initiative has led to an improvement in girls' school attendance, resulting in more girls completing their education.
Mozambique
As of 2025, Dorcas Mozambique continues its work as an independent local NGO under the name Mãos Unidas (United Hands). This transition marks a new step towards sustainable impact, where it can respond more flexibly to local needs and continue working in a small-scale, effective, and sustainable manner.