About DFID
What is DFID?
DFID, the Department for International Development, is the part of the UK Government that manages Britain’s aid to poor countries.
Our work is focused on achieving the Millennium
Development Goals - the United Nations targets for fighting
poverty that must be met by 2015.
We work with charities, international organisations and the
governments of poor countries to find lasting solutions to
the global problem of poverty.
Why is the UK Government involved?
Although the wealth of the world is growing, almost
one-sixth of the people on our planet live in extreme
poverty. This is not only morally wrong: it is against
the UK's own interests.
We are closer to people in poor countries than ever
before. We trade more and more with them, and many of
the problems that affect us - conflict, crime, refugees,
drugs and diseases – are caused or made worse by
the poverty that affects them.
Getting rid of poverty will make the world better for
everybody, rich and poor.
How does development work?
International development is about working together to fight poverty.
If governments, charities, international institutions
and ordinary people work together, we can help settle
conflicts, increase opportunities for trade, tackle
climate change and improve health and education.
By working together, we can help poor countries find
their own ways out of poverty.