CARE International’s history in Costa Rica
CARE began working in Costa Rica in the 1950s as part of our early broader efforts to support communities across Latin America. Initial work focused on supporting people facing poverty and limited access to essential services.
Over time, CARE’s work in Costa Rica has evolved toward partnerships with local organizations and regional initiatives that strengthen food security, livelihoods, and opportunities for women and their families.
CARE and partners’ work in Costa Rica today
CARE and our partners work with communities in Costa Rica to strengthen food systems, improve livelihoods, and support opportunities for women and their families.
Our work focuses on:
Food and water
CARE has supported school-based nutrition and education initiatives through partnerships with organizations such as Glasswing International. We work with schools and communities to improve access to nutritious food and strengthen healthy learning environments for children and their families.
Making the economy work for women
Through regional programs such as PROSPER (Nourishing the Future), CARE works with women producers and small entrepreneurs to strengthen livelihoods. Activities include savings groups, access to financial services, and support for small businesses and agricultural value chains.
Climate
CARE supports farmers adopting climate-smart agricultural practices that protect natural resources and improve productivity. These efforts strengthen community knowledge around sustainable farming and help producers adapt to climate change.
CARE works closely with national partners and regional institutions, including EARTH University. This collaboration helps strengthen local food systems and increase economic opportunities for women and their families.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the center of CARE’s work in Costa Rica.
CARE and our partners work with women producers, entrepreneurs, and community members to strengthen leadership, increase economic opportunities, and improve household wellbeing.
We support women and girls to:
- Strengthen livelihoods through small businesses and agricultural production
- Access financial services and savings groups
- Improve food security and nutrition for their families
- Build leadership skills and participate in community decision-making
By working with women producers and entrepreneurs, CARE helps strengthen food systems and economic opportunities for families and communities across Costa Rica.
For recent updates on CARE’s work in Costa Rica, see here.
