Development programming in Sub-Saharan Africa : the CARE Canada experience

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa is a land of awesome potential, rich in human and natural resources, yet, desperately impoverished and in need of international support. HIV/AIDS, international conflict, food insecurity and poverty have devoured human and natural capital, while all efforts to address such problems have proven unsustainable. The Canadian Government, recently pledging to provide hundreds of millions of dollars to Sub-Saharan Africa in order to show commitment to and solidarity in, the continent's struggles, requires skilled implementing agencies to partner with African nations in order to ensure that sustainable development and lasting change are realized. CARE Canada has been demonstrating expertise and commitment to working with local people and national governments throughout Africa and the entire world for over 55 years, seeking to work with those who are especially vulnerable. CARE's work in Africa has focused on three main areas of programming: ensuring access of basic social services, economic empowerment and civil society strengthening. The organization has continued to learn and grow in a diversity of ways, especially in the areas of partnership building and capacity building, setting a high standard for other organizations to follow.