SWISSAID worldwide
2024: Figures and Milestones
In 2024, SWISSAID was able to realise projects worth over 18 million Swiss Francs in its partner countries.
- These projects have helped to improve the living conditions of 298,041 women, and children in our partner countries.
- Agroecology and climate: 94,858 people started applying agroecological practices. They plant locally adapted seeds, fertilise with compost and sell their products at local markets. This not only allows them to generate additional income, but also strengthens self-sufficient food systems in the region.
- Water: 45,859 people gained access to clean drinking water in 2024. We worked with them to build wells, lay pipes and establish water committees. Clean drinking water dramatically reduces child mortality.
- Gender: 16,971 women learned to read, write and count. This boosts their self-confidence and prevents them from being cheated in the market. They are also able to pass on their knowledge to their children and thus bring about lasting change.
- 38,918 food parcels were distributed by SWISSAID last year – helping 63’874 people in dire need. Emergency aid is becoming increasingly important due to climate change, natural disasters and violent conflicts. Find out more about our emergency aid work: here.
These successes were made possible by the professional work of 199 employees worldwide. At the same time, we were able to count on 45,433 loyal donors who donated over 16 Millionen Swiss Francs.
Milestone: A positive interim assessment!
CROPS4HD is a flagship project for SWISSAID – together with our partners, we aim to improve nutrition and create new markets for smallholders using traditional, old seed varieties in Niger, Chad, India and Tanzania. The project is jointly financed by the SDC, and was launched in 2021. At the beginning of the year, workshops were held by Professor Jay Cummins with all the key stakeholders in N’Djamena and West Bengal. The goal of the workshops was to evaluate the progress of the project to date. The assessment was positive, confirming that the chosen push-pull policy was innovative and effective, and that all of those involved were highly motivated. The clear recommendation for the second phase – time to scale up! Instead of launching new activities, we will be focusing on expanding the scope of the approaches already introduced.
Milestone: On the trail of gold smuggling
In Africa, between 321 and 474 tonnes of artisanal gold are produced annually without being declared. In 2022 alone, at least 435 tonnes of gold were smuggled out of the African continent. This figure was revealed by SWISSAID’s raw materials experts in the organisation’s second large-scale study entitled “On the trail of African gold”. The results generated huge media interest both nationally and internationally, and were reported on by the Financial Times, the US TV channel CNBC and the news agencies Reuters and Bloomberg, among others. SWISSAID’s efforts continue, as it analyses a wealth of data for every African country. Find out more here.
Milestone: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence
Prayas Chavan was just 13 years old when her family decided to marry her off, but she was not willing to let this happen. Together with SWISSAID employees, she attempted to reason with her parents, the village and the authorities – and succeeded in preventing the wedding from taking place. Prayas is one of many young girls and women who suffer from these patriarchal structures. During the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence” campaign, SWISSAID raised awareness about abuse, organising a series of events, placing radio ads, putting up posters and organising discussion groups and workshops in India, as well as in Chad, Colombia and Switzerland.
The gender project in India is financed by the EU.
Your donation changes lives
A huge thank you!
We would like to thank you, dear donors, for your support.
We would also like to thank all the people who have remembered us in their wills. Our thanks also go to numerous companies and suppliers who provided their services at particularly favorable rates or free of charge. Special thanks also go to all the institutions, cantons, companies, foundations, cities and municipalities, parishes and associations that have supported us, whether recently or for years!
Thanks to you, we can continue to work for a world in which there is no more hunger and in which even the poorest people can lead a healthy, dignified and self-determined life. We are helping to improve the living conditions of 298,041 men, women and children around the world. In doing so, we always respect and protect the environment in order to combat climate change.
-THANK YOU-
