What we offer
Alternative development
We provide advice on substituting drug plant cultivation with alternative forms of income. We promote the required infrastructure, social and health facilities, and networks among diverse actors and thereby help to improve living conditions for people in the regions where drug plants are cultivated.
Drug profile analysis
In countries with a major drug problem we prepare drug profile analyses. They identify the impact of drugs on sustainable programme success, set out recommendations, and give programmes and projects a strategic orientation.
Peer-to-peer work in addiction prevention
We provide advice on measures to prevent drug use among target groups with the involvement of peers (people from similar social groups). This also includes complementary activities, above all capacity building for target and mediator groups.
Integrated local drug policies
We assist addiction support facilities and social institutions and promote the development of local measures to combat drug use in cities and communities. NGOs, drug users, the health administration, the police, the justice system and community representatives collaborate with GTZ experts to produce goals and strategies to bring about a long-term improvement in their local environment through integrated local drug policies.
Harm reduction
We advise partners on implementing or integrating low-threshold services for intravenous users (e.g. needle exchange programmes, substitution, creation of a lower-risk environment). The aim is to promote the health of drug addicts and prevent the spread of HIV. Drug policy advice plays a major role in this respect.
What you can achieve with us
Drug and development problems are part of a vicious circle. Poverty, in particular, encourages the cultivation and use of illegal drugs. Minimising as far as possible the negative social and personal impacts of drug cultivation, trade and consumption opens up major new development opportunities for societies. For example:
- Afghanistan is one of the world's greatest producers of opium poppies and opium. Small farmers are offered alternative sources of income through development-oriented drug control. In addition, the flow of funds to warlords is interrupted, which also helps to prevent crises.
- In many countries in Asia and Eastern Europe, drug use and the spread of HIV/AIDS are directly connected. Efforts are under way in India to minimise the health implications of drug use and reintegrate addicted persons into society.
How we work
We deliver measurable results by tailoring our services efficiently and precisely to the specific requirements of each country and its population. This opens up opportunities for people and institutions in developing countries to overcome and control the drug problem using their own resources. We advise institutions on how to implement drug policy reforms at national and local level.
- We advise organisations on rolling out target-group specific approaches in projects and programmes.
- We promote cooperation between the institutions and social groups affected by the drug problem.
- We develop and offer training courses on drug-related subjects.
Our successful approach is based on both our technical expertise and our internationally acclaimed competence in project and financial management, the placement of experts and capacity development. In addition, our partners benefit from our alliances and cooperation with numerous institutions and experts.
