Eastern Africa

Overview

Establishing more democratic, equitable and peaceful societies in Eastern Africa will require an informed citizenry, increased civic and political participation, and secured rights for all.

The Regional Context

For more than two decades East Africans have engaged in a process of progressive change on various economic, social, cultural and political fronts. Civil society movements and groups have played significant roles as drivers of this change. Nations in the region have transitioned to constitutional democracies, legal reforms have been introduced, and state institutions and nongovernmental organizations have been strengthened. But many challenges persist.

Inequitable land distribution and land tenure contribute greatly to poverty in the region. Evidence shows that access to land and other natural resources determines the ability of households to participate in markets, to secure livelihoods and to compete as entrepreneurs in the rural non-farm economy. This is particularly true for women who dominate most agricultural work, yet are deeply discriminated against in a land-acquisition process that historically is gained only through males.

In addition, a high population growth rate along with a weak governance and economic infrastructure continue to leave youth marginalized from leadership opportunities and meaningful participation in the economy.

Our Goal

The goal of our work is to advance reforms in land, livelihoods, rights, media and civic participation for women and youth.

We believe that addressing disparities in land control, in decision-making processes and in the representation of historically diverse communities, will be a critical factor in securing rights and opportunities for East Africans, particularly women and youth.

What We're Doing

The foundation has provided significant support to advance the region's two decades of progressive reform. Our strategy focuses on consolidating and continuing this quest.

We believe the success and impact of our work will be determined and measured by how women and youth engage with and benefit from the progressive change effort to establish equitable, democratic, economically secure and peaceful societies in the region.

Our work focuses on:

Promoting secure and well-defined rights to land and natural resources
Supporting sustainable models for livelihood development to help poor people increase incomes, accumulate assets, enhance resilience and move out of poverty
Addressing gender inequalities through the gains made by women's rights movements and exploring how women's rights play a part in issues of poverty, HIV/AIDS, gender violence and reproductive health rights
Strengthening democracy through increased civic and political participation and building civil society movements, networks, groups and organizations
Promoting content development and alternative sites of free, fair and ethical expression, where the life experiences of all people are amplified and affirmed

Our grant making in this region is pursued through the following initiatives.

Issue	Initiative
Democratic and Accountable Government	Strengthening Civil Society
Human Rights	Protecting Women's Rights
Economic Fairness	Expanding Livelihood Opportunities For Poor Households
Sustainable Development	Expanding Community Rights Over Natural Resources
Freedom of Expression	Advancing Public Service Media
Sexuality and Reproductive Health and Rights	Policies And Programs For Adolescent Sexual And Reproductive Health

From the Newsroom

In the Headlines: Sustainable Development Director on Putting People First Worldwatch Institute blogs two-part in-depth interview with David Kaimowitz
News from Ford: Ford Foundation Commits $85 Million to Advance Rural Land Rights and Reduce Climate Change Five-year program aims to empower rural communities in developing countries whose livelihoods depend on natural resources
In the Headlines: Letter to the Editor: On Natural Resource Stewardship Ford Foundation Director of Sustainable Development responds to recent New York Times article