Our approach to tackling poverty

Tearfund is a Christian international development and humanitarian organisation with more than 50 years’ experience. We work in over 50 countries worldwide, in partnership with communities, churches and local organisations, with the goal of ending extreme poverty.

Tearfund has three main ways of working:

Advocacy and influencing

We seek to influence the global church and governments to bring about fair and just policies and structures at a local, national and global level.

Community development

We work, where possible, through the local church, empowering communities to lift themselves out of poverty.

Humanitarian response

We respond to disasters and conflicts, always seeking to reach those in greatest need.

Key areas of focus

The causes and effects of poverty are complex and often connected. We seek to address some of the world’s biggest challenges in a way that breaks the cycle of suffering and offers communities a secure and fruitful future:

Advocacy

Around the world, we work with individuals and churches to help them speak out on issues of poverty and injustice, and make lifestyle changes that challenge destructive policies and practices.

Church and community

We equip the church to work with the local community, identifying needs and mobilising resources to bring about restoration and transformation.

Disasters and crisis

We work to prevent and respond to the suffering that major disasters cause, to make sure that the most vulnerable people are empowered and supported.

Environment and climate

Climate change threatens to push more people back into poverty if we don’t act fast. To tackle it, we must radically rethink the global economy and live within the limits of our environment.

Peacebuilding

When conflict breaks out, people in poverty pay the highest price. We provide for people’s immediate needs and stay for the long haul as they rebuild their lives. We support peacebuilders and help to bring reconciliation between different groups in conflict.

Resilience and food security

We help communities build resilience so that they can cope with stresses and shocks. And we support groundbreaking schemes which help communities produce more food in ways that are inexpensive and environmentally sustainable.

Economic empowerment

We work to empower the most vulnerable people so that they can participate equally in their local economy and increase their income.

Sexual and gender-based violence

We are committed to progressing gender equality and the restoration of relationships between men and women.

Water and sanitation

Breaking free from poverty is impossible without access to clean water and sanitation. We make sure that communities are actively involved in water and sanitation projects, so that they will take ownership of it and see long-term success.

Find out more

You can find out more about why and how we focus on each of these key areas on our partner website, Tearfund Learn. Tearfund Learn provides free access to our research and resources from over 50 years of experience in international development.