HEKS/EPER is making a difference in the area of «Access to land and resources»
Rural communities need unimpeded access to natural resources such as land, water, pastures, savannahs or forests if they are to develop. The possibility to use these resources is critical to fighting hunger and poverty. Agriculture is, after all, the most important source of income for many rural communities. With crop farming, small plantations, livestock rearing, fishing or gathering they can secure their food supply and generate income by selling their produce. Land also serves communities as living space and reinforces cultural and spiritual identity. Many rural communities still lack access to land or risk losing it despite existing or traditional law. HEKS/EPER therefore helps them, through numerous projects, to secure long-term access to land and resources, both practically and legally.
Colombia Country Programme
Rural development and peacebuilding
In Colombia, HEKS/EPER is contributing to a more just and peaceful society and to improving the livelihoods of internally displaced families and rural communities.
Honduras Country Programme
Strengthening self-determination and autonomy
In southern Honduras, HEKS/EPER supports projects for the development of rural communities, the protection and defence of human rights, as well as disaster preparedness programmes.
Israel-Palestine Programme
A strong civil society for peace
In a region where life is marked by long-standing conflicts, HEKS/EPER is striving to promote peace based on justice and respect for human rights.
Stable livelihoods for farmers and cattle rearers
HEKS/EPER supports the rural population in the Maradi and Zinder regions in building up profitable and sustainable agricultural production and in livestock farming.
A better life for the people of North Kivu
Poverty and violence are widespread in the DRC. HEKS/EPER is enhancing the social and economic conditions of rural communities in North Kivu Province.
Ethiopia Country Programme
Strengthening personal initiative – alleviating poverty
Senegal Country Programme
Livelihoods for small farmers and cattle rearers
HEKS/EPER supports people in Senegal in securing access to land, in sustainably managing natural resources and in tapping new sources of income.
Zimbabwe Country Programme
Food security and peacebuilding
HEKS/EPER is improving the living conditions of people in Zimbabwe's Matebeleland South Province through rural community development and peacebuilding projects.
Bangladesh Country Programme
Combatting poverty – empowering minorities
Millions of people live in extreme poverty in Bangladesh. HEKS/EPER supports the social and economic integration of marginalized minorities.
HEKS/EPER is improving the food security and incomes of marginalized populations in the four southern States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
Cambodia Country Programme
Food security and autonomy
In Cambodia, HEKS/EPER supports rural community development projects being run by local partner organizations.
Republic of Moldova Country Programme
Strengthening of rural communities
HEKS/EPER is improving the social and economic situation of the rural population in the Republic of Moldova. Beneficiaries are farms, older people and communities.
Rural development and empowerment of civil society
HEKS/EPER supports rural communities in improving food security and incomes, and in the building of a strong civil society.
HEKS Working Paper Series Access to Land
Assess & Enhance Land Tenure Security
Restricted and endangered access to land and resources has proven to be one of the major obstacles to the development of rural communities, which are in the centre of HEKS’ work. As a consequence of the urgent needs to secure access to land and HEKS’ longstanding experience in development work, a substantial number of HEKS projects have focused and are focussing on enhancing access to land and resources for rural communities.
