CJI envisions a world where humanity lives in harmony with God’s creation, guided by the principles of justice, solidarity, and care for our common home.

The preferential option for the poor and care for our common home go hand in hand. Ecological degradation affects the poorest more than others.

Together with its Jesuit partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, CJI works with marginalized communities as they promote the sustainable use of natural resources, defend their ancestral lands, and develop dignified and just livelihoods.

CJI supports several projects that promote ecology and sustainability using advocacy, workshops, skills training and community development. These initiatives help communities to overcome poverty, build self-reliance, and become active agents in tackling the global climate crisis.

Here are some highlights:

In Zambia, CJI supports the ongoing work of the Jesuit-run Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC), which trains rural youth and farmers in organic farming techniques to help them improve their livelihoods, achieve food security, and address challenges posed by climate change. Each year, about 20 students graduate from KATC’s certificate program in agroecology, which is accredited by the University of Zambia. From 2024-2025, KATC trained 90 farmers on agroecological farming practices and sustainable agriculture. About 600 farmers also learned these techniques during KATC field days and farmer-to-farmer training programs.

CJI also supported a project by the Jesuit-based Indigenous Solidarity and Apostolate Network (Red Solidaridad y Apostolado Indígena or RSAI) that strengthened the leadership of Indigenous women who are defending their ancestral territories in Latin America. The project also raised awareness about the impact of extractive industries in Mesoamerica, the Andes, and the Amazon, as well as the importance of community advocacy.

PROJECTS SUPPORTED BY CJI

Building resilience & self-reliance in climate-affected communities (Kenya)
Livelihood & capacity-building programs for marginalized women (India)
Agroecology education & training for rural youth, small-scale farmers (Zambia) Safeguarding vulnerable communities from mining (Dominican Republic)
Sustainable economic activities in marginalized communities (Latin America) Improved mobility & access for people with disabilities (Cambodia)
Social protection & building climate-resilient communities (India)
Strengthening Indigenous women’s leadership (Latin America)

Total number of beneficiaries: 5, 399