Oxfam's work in Georgia in depth

In the nineties, internal conflicts in Georgia forced hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes, which created a humanitarian crisis. Even now, Georgia remains among the poorest countries of the former Soviet Union. Paid employment is hard to come by, basic services are under-resourced, and social support to those who are most vulnerable is not sufficient. But, with help from Oxfam and its local partners, things are starting to change.

Oxfam in Georgia

Through our local partners, displaced and vulnerable people are receiving improved health care. Small-scale farmers are producing more, and selling in new markets that were not previously known or available to them. We support people to learn about their rights, so they are able to take part in decisions that affect them, make institutions more accountable for their actions and policies, and to work towards a future without poverty. We campaign for change – for example, by raising awareness on issues such as domestic violence and the need for the government to be accountable in its policy – and decisionmaking. Oxfam also responds to natural disasters in Georgia, usually by providing clean water for vulnerable populations.

Oxfam has worked in Georgia since 1993.

Good health at an affordable price

Georgia remains one of the poorest countries of the former Soviet Union. Health care services should be available and affordable to all, yet people in Georgia who cannot afford vital medicines often go without.

Oxfam has set up rural community health schemes, and has funded the training of more physicians. More than 40,000 vulnerable people are now receiving health care. Scheme members pay a small quarterly fee to receive basic treatment and medicines. Dr Dodo, a medic for the scheme, is pleased to be able to offer free treatment to her community: “Patients will not remain sick just because they have no money,” she says.

We’re encouraging the Georgian government to ratify Oxfam’s health-care model, and to introduce it across the whole country.

Making a living

Oxfam and its partners are helping poor and displaced people to make a better living from their land, by sharing information about farming methods and by providing seeds, fertiliser, and other equipment. And we help farmers to reach the best markets for their products.

A local partner – Lazika Capital, set up by Oxfam – provides credit for small businesses in Samgerelo region. Practical and financial assistance creates a good base for further development of poor families. “We are getting the full-scale assistance to improve our living,” a jewellery-maker told us.

Tackling domestic violence

Oxfam works with Sakhli, an organisation which gives practical support, such as counselling and legal advice, to women who have suffered violence in the home. We have participated in the development of a new national law which protects victims of violence, and media campaigns are now raising its awareness throughout the country. Oxfam is working to influence the government on many issues of social justice.

Keeping institutions accountable through participation

Oxfam and its partners are supporting civil society organisations to influence and monitor the government’s spending – and improve its accountability. This is an essential example of how communities can be involved in the dialogue that determines the allocation of local resources, as well as being empowered to monitor and challenge State Social Policy.

Last updated: July 08