Responding to a global crisis

2022 was coloured by the impact of the war in Ukraine. Once again, millions of people had to flee their homes. I am moved and deeply grateful that ZOA’s generous supporters were inspired to respond quickly and provided thousands of people with desperately needed cash to buy food and other essential items. We also helped by restoring hundreds of war-damaged houses.

However, people living far beyond Ukraine’s borders were also deeply affected by this war. Its impact was felt across the world as the price of oil and gas soared and the export of grain stagnated. As a result, countries like Yemen and DR Congo were drastically affected as well. And, as always, the most vulnerable suffered the most. This is why ZOA focuses on improving people’s livelihoods.

The picture on this page was taken in DR Congo, where we focus on supporting small-holder farmers to diversify and improve their food production whilst simultaneously working on improving access to land, addressing root causes of conflict, and focusing on good governance. The overarching goal is to help people become more resilient and self-sufficient and to help restore peace and stability in the region. A picture like this captures ZOA’s essence as we work from relief towards recovery.

Chris Lukkien Chief Executive Officer