Publications
Summary of publication
The Australia Africa Community Engagement Scheme (AACES) is a partnership of the Australian Government, ten Australian non-government organizations (NGOs) and their African-based partners. AACES is a $90 million, five year program (2011-16) delivered in 11 African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The program contributes to reducing poverty in Africa through community-based projects across the sectors of agricultural productivity, water and sanitation, and maternal and child health. AACES has a particular focus on reaching the most marginalized groups including women, children, people living with disability and people vulnerable to disaster. Three years into AACES, there is strong evidence of increased agricultural productivity; increased resilience through diversified sources of income; and improved access to maternal and child health and water, sanitation and hygiene services. The theme throughout the 2013 14 Annual Report is the focus on women and girls, and in particular, how AACES is helping to improve their political, social and economic status.
Results have shown that women and girls are benefitting directly from AACES project interventions. Of the estimated 730,000 people who benefitted from AACES programs, about 450,000 were women and girls. With Australia's support, AACES partners have helped women and girls take leadership in their communities, access essential services, and improve their lives and those of their families. Thanks to AACES, African women also increased their economic prosperity through financial services and new and diverse income sources.
AACES remains a unique and innovative partnership program that is achieving strong and lasting results.