CARE International’s work in Tanzania
CARE began working in Tanzania in 1994 to help communities facing a humanitarian crisis caused by the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Large numbers of refugees arrived in north-western Tanzania, particularly in the Kagera region, creating urgent needs for food, shelter, water, sanitation, and health services.
CARE initially provided emergency aid to refugees and host communities. As the situation stabilized, we expanded our work to address the root causes of poverty, hunger, and inequality.
Today, CARE Tanzania and our partners work across crisis response, economic empowerment, climate, youth development and education, and health.
CARE and partners’ work in Tanzania today
CARE Tanzania and our partners support communities to respond to crises and strengthen livelihoods, improve life conditions in the present, while building better foundations for the future. Our work focuses on:
Making the economy work
CARE supports women entrepreneurs, farmers, and young people to increase income and strengthen livelihoods. In 2023, CARE supported the creation of the Sakare Specialty Tea Factory, Tanzania’s first women-led smallholder-owned specialty tea factory. Owned by more than 1,100 farmers, the factory allows farmers to process and market their own tea, increasing income and strengthening cooperative leadership.
Food and water
CARE works with farming communities to improve food production and strengthen local food systems. Through the Farmers’ Field and Business Schools (FFBS) model, farmers gain practical agricultural and business skills through hands-on learning. The model has been incorporated into national agricultural extension guidelines and university curricula in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Sokoine University of Agriculture.
Climate
We support climate-smart agriculture, natural resource management, and improved nutrition so communities can adapt to climate change impacts. Programs such as Her Resilience, Our Planet, focus on supporting women and girls to participate in climate and economic opportunities.
Health
CARE works with community networks and partners to improve access to health services and strengthen community-based health systems.
Crisis response
We support communities to prepare for and respond to crises, including climate-related disasters, through community networks and preparedness programs.
CARE works in partnership with local organizations, government institutions, academic partners, and the private sector to ensure programs are locally led and sustainable.
Focus on women and girls in Tanzania
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE Tanzania’s work. We support them to:
Strengthen economic independence through initiatives such as Her Money, Her Life, which supports women farmers and entrepreneurs in tea, cassava, and spice value chains, combining financial inclusion with efforts to change harmful social norms.
Build leadership and professional networks through programs such as the Young Women Leadership Program, implemented in partnership with the Mwanamke Initiatives Foundation and Stanbic Bank Tanzania which helps women grow their confidence and participation in decision-making spaces.
Participate in farming and climate initiatives such as the Scale Up Farmers Field and Business School Project, implemented by CARE and our partners, which ensures women farmers have access to training, market information, financial services, and collective platforms that increase bargaining power and influence.
By investing in women’s leadership and economic empowerment, CARE Tanzania and our partners help communities become more inclusive and resilient to crises.
To learn more about CARE Tanzania's work, click here.
