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In Mali, nearly one third of the population depends directly on cotton production. The project works closely with producers so they can grow fairtrade and/or organic cotton. It also works to ensure that producers' voices are heard by government, who are responsible for the provision of farm inputs as well as cotton marketing internationally. The ultimate aim is to make sure cotton farmers enjoy a sustainable livelihood and get a fair deal for their crop.

Over eight million people live a precarious existence in the overcrowded slums of Ethiopia's largest cities, and as many as one in three have no access to piped water or decent toilets. Many live in substandard accommodation, with limited opportunities to make a living, and many children, especially girls and orphans, cannot afford to go to school. SMCF works in the slums of five Ethiopian cities. They invest in local community organisations based in the slums that help to improve living conditions by upgrading housing, installing pit latrines and water kiosks. They run community schools for disadvantaged children, and promote urban agriculture so families can sell their produce in local markets. They invest in vocational and business training for local groups of women and young people who want to set up their own businesses. They also engage with local government to ensure that slum-upgrading programmes are responsive to local people's needs and aspirations. As a result of this project, tens of thousands of slum dwellers have better living conditions, which reduces the incidence of preventable diseases. Children receive a decent basic education and families have a more secure way of earning a living. Local governments are more accountable to local people, and systems are in place to ensure residents are consulted in slum development programmes.

Malaria is the leading cause of illness and death in Zambia, responsible for an estimated 50,000 deaths every year. While 90 percent of the population lives in areas where malaria occurs, very few are able to protect themselves against the disease as tools to prevent it and treatments are both expensive. The Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria distributes insecticide-treated bed nets and medicine, trains health workers and educates communities about the disease. This work plays a crucial part in helping Zambia reduce the devastating effects malaria is having on its people.

South Africa has more people living with HIV than any other country in the world. HIV has a devastating effect on children and their families, leaving people struggling to take care of each other. HIV stigma contributes to poor emotional health for people with HIV and their families, and the long-term sickness or death of a parent has a damaging effect on children. Bishop Simeon Trust supports home-based care for people with HIV, helps families get government social care grants, and provides pre-school education and other support for orphans and vulnerable children. They also work with older children using peer education to build their confidence and self-esteem and helping them to develop life skills to help them cope. They're supported to stay in school and to find vocational and other training programmes. As a result, the lives of children and families living with and affected by HIV are greatly improved.