Norwegian Church Aid observes a world where recurring shocks and crises, conflict, persistent gender inequality, and widespread poverty compromise rights-holders’ opportunities. Increasing political polarisation globally is undermining societal trust. Conflict and insecurity threats are on the rise. The climate and nature crises lead to more variable and extreme weather and degradation of natural ecosystems, undermining food security and putting people and livelihoods at risk lead. Increasingly, the poorest and most marginalised rights-holders live in countries with high levels of institutional and social fragility, where authorities are unwilling or unable to protect human rights and fulfil their obligations as duty-bearers.

Together with our partners, NCA will contribute to building communities’ resilience to cope with and recover from shocks and crises, protect the natural environment, and enable communities to lift themselves out of poverty. We envision safe and peaceful communities where people actively participate in their own development and organise to claim their rights and manage their resources sustainably and equitably. To this end, NCA will support community-led action to manage risks associated with climate change and environmental degradation, promote social cohesion and inclusion, and engage in advocacy to address injustices. Moreover, NCA will facilitate cooperation between civil society, private sector actors, research institutions and relevant authorities to stimulate innovation, technology, and knowledge-transfer, and promote pro-poor value chains and government policies.

Programme approaches

Social cohesion:

Supporting community-based initiatives to promote social cohesion and well-being, sensitisation and public education promoting tolerance and non- violence. Facilitating faith actors’, women’s and youth participation in peace processes. Supporting local peace structures and establishing early warning systems to defuse conflicts and impending violence.

Civic action:

Working with community-based organisations, groups, and committees to organise and represent rights-holders, manage common resources, respond to emergencies, and drive change in the local context. Facilitating survivor- and community-led responses to local challenges, for instance, through community cash grants.

Women’s and girls’ empowerment:

Supporting women and girls to build and strengthen their social networks and capacities through life skills and leadership training and livelihood development. Engaging communities to transform social norms and protect women and girls from harmful practices and strengthening their capacities to respond to GBV. Working with men and boys to promote positive masculinities and advance gender equality.

Sexual and reproductive health:

Facilitating access to comprehensive sexuality education, availability of contraceptives, and adequate family planning services for adolescent girls and women.

Climate resilient WASH services:

Supporting and strengthening communities to build and manage sustainable and resilient basic water and sanitation services for both domestic, institutional, and productive use, and maintaining adequate and dignifying personal hygiene practices. Facilitating solarisation of WASH installations and other critical infrastructure.

Economic development:

Supporting innovation, private sector cooperation and entrepreneurship to create jobs and drive economic development. Facilitating micro-investment and access to financial services for small-scale farmers and producers.

Farming and food value chains:

Promoting gender-sensitive, sustainable, and climate-resilient food production practices, taking a “whole farm” approach. Skills development and support to safeguard sustainable water and soil/land management. Private sector cooperation to improve market access and support the development of local markets and cooperatives.

Sustainable resource management:

Protecting, sustainably managing, and restoring natural resources and ecosystems, for example through nature-based solutions and NCA’s church forest methodology, for the benefit of people and nature. Promoting integrated water resource management and waste management practices. Providing safe and sustainable access to fuel and energy in displacement settings.