Oxfam's work in Sri Lanka in depth

Long-term development

Building on our initial response to the tsunami, Oxfam has moved from a humanitarian to a development programme. The long-term objective is to develop a “reconstruction plus” programme to assist communities living in poverty, both directly and indirectly affected by the tsunami, including those affected by the conflict and the wider shocks to the economy. These people are targeted with longer-term livelihood work and capacity building. Developing sustainable solutions for disaster preparedness and undertaking 'relationship building work' in the context of the 20-year war and people displaced by conflict and/or by the tsunami will be an integral part of the programme.

In our long-term livelihood interventions, Oxfam has selected to work with the marginalised and the most vulnerable, thereby selecting the coir, paddy, fisheries, market garden and livestock sectors. Some 40,000 small and medium producers, with a particular focus on women, will be supported to enable them to increase their income.

Land entitlements, improved production techniques, diversification of products, value addition, better access to markets and greater bargaining power through people’s companies are but some of the avenues through which people will increase their income and thereby reduce vulnerability.

The programme works towards increasing the leadership and management capacities of women through a greater understanding of gender equality, while challenging and mobilising communities to take a stand on violence against women, particularly domestic violence. It also advocates for a better policy environment for women engaged in economic and political activity.

Even as Oxfam phases out its emergency water supply, it has been finding ways of integrating its public health work and water/sanitation with its livelihoods programme. By increasing access to water infrastructure, people will waste less time collecting water and will be able to devote more time in the fields and attend to their various livelihoods.

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Last updated: September 06