Tanzania

Tanzania has been spared the internal strife that has blighted many African states but remains one of the poorest countries in the world [Sean Sprague]

Tanzania is world-renowned as a beautiful country, yet it is also one of the poorest, where average life expectancy is just 46 years

It shares the second largest freshwater lake in the world, Lake Victoria, with neighbouring countries Kenya and Uganda and is home to the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

But, despite being almost four times bigger than the UK, only four per cent of land is devoted to cultivated crops.

Industry focuses on processing agricultural products and light consumer goods. Coffee, cotton, cashew nuts, minerals, and tobacco are among its main exports.

Key challenges

CAFOD funds projects focused on health, HIV and AIDS, livelihoods and preventing the marginalisation of disabled people in Tanzanian society.

The number of people living with HIV and AIDS is increasing dramatically. Health systems, service providers and care providers are finding it hard to cope.

Programmes need to take a multi-pronged approach to the problem. For drugs such as antiretrovirals to work, adequate nutrition is important, to buy the right food it helps to be employed, and orphaned children need an education so they can rebuild their lives.

Until the end of 2007 CAFOD also supports work with Burundian refugees in the north-west of the country.

Read about our partners' work below:

section highlights

Working with vulnerable children

AIDS-related illnesses have left an estimated 40,000 children orphaned or vulnerable in the Diocese of Moshi. Sister Ubdala Kessy talks about how these children are being supported

AIDS Prevention and Training

The Archdiocese of Arusha AIDS Prevention and Training Programme develops and distributes materials on HIV and AIDS and aims to increase the number of people receiving social and economic support

Health and strength

The Dar Es Salaam Archdiocese runs a Community Health Education Programme focusing in particular on women and children as well as a Community Health Education Programme and Pastoral Activities and Services for people living with AIDS.

latest updates elsewhere on www.cafod.org.uk

Supporting orphans and vulnerable children The Diocese of Moshi based in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania runs an Orphans and Vulnerable Children Support Programme.

East Africa Emergency Two failed harvests and lack of rains in early 2006 led to the deaths of thousands of livestock and left millions of people vulnerable to starvation in Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia

World Gifts making a difference Two CAFOD volunteers went to Africa to see how buying ethical Christmas presents can help improve life for people living in poverty

Working with vulnerable children AIDS-related illnesses have left an estimated 40,000 children orphaned or vulnerable in the Diocese of Moshi. Sister Ubdala Kessy talks about how these children are being supported

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