Who We Are

Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) is a national enterprise-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where youth and nature can thrive. Founded with a mission to empower youth through nature-based business solutions, MDA is committed to improving lives while reducing the carbon footprint within rural farming landscapes.

Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) “Nature Based Solutions, Connecting to Nature” Naromoru, Nyeri County HBV House, Munyu Road. Ground Floor P.O. Box 105-10200 | Nyeri-Kenya +254-720 005 717 info@mda.co.ke COMPANY PROFILE 4 2024 Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) “Nature Based Solutions, Connecting to Nature” Introduction What is nature-based solutions? MDA Connecting Nature Framework? Microbusiness Development Africa defines nature-based solutions as solutions to societal change that are “Inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes, and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource-efficient and systemic interventions. Hence, nature-based solutions must benefit biodiversity and support the delivery of a range of ecosystem services.” Designing and implementing nature-based solutions on a scale that delivers economic, environmental, and social co-benefits, while also building resilience and benefiting biodiversity is complex with many different issues to consider. Many questions arise: • What is the best solution for the area? • Who will manage it? • How will it be financed? • Who needs to be involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance? • How to measure the economic, environmental, and social impact? • Will it support innovation and generate jobs? • How can we manage change? Even identifying where to start can often be a challenge! Background Founded in 2018, Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) operates from its headquarters in Naro Moru, Kenya. Our commitment extends beyond business; we are dedicated to environmental stewardship and holistic wellness. Through our initiatives, we empower youth to transition out of poverty and build sustainable futures in harmony with nature. The organization has its niche in food security and livelihood, microfinance, human resources, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, environment and capacity building/training. Who We Are Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) is a national enterprise-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where youth and nature can thrive. Founded with a mission to empower youth through nature-based business solutions, MDA is committed to improving lives while reducing the carbon footprint within rural farming landscapes. The areas of intervention of MDA with these structures cover; Research and evaluation on community development, Food Security and Livelihood, micro-finance, Village Savings and Loan Associations, support for IDPs, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, education, resilience responses to food crises, agricultural production, disaster risks prevention, food crises, health, malnutrition, WASH, child protection and gender issues. In its mandate, the organization has either been involved directly or members of its personnel getting involved in key components of projects facilitated by partners/associates. The Staff of the firm comprises a group of highly qualified and motivated individuals in various fields. Our proposed team has vast experience and is adequately suited to carry out the assignment. Our motto - ‘‘Putting Ideas into Action’’ MDA prides itself in the use of appropriate and innovative technology and the application of participatory approaches. This ensures efficiency and effectiveness thereby meeting standards of cost effectiveness, timeliness, and desired outcomes. We will meet your institutional as well as client needs. At the topmost level in the management structure of MDA is the board of directors. The board is responsible for recruitment, supervision, retaining, evaluating, and compensating key portfolio managers. The board provides direction for the organization and has a strategic function in realizing its vision; mission and goals of the organization, including the development and implementation of supportive policies needed to enable MDA to achieve its goals and objectives. It has a monitoring and control function, taking the lead in the auditing process including hiring the auditor and ensuring that the audit is done promptly each year. The chart below illustrates the MDA organizational organogram. Organizational capacity of MDA Below the board of directors is the Managing director, and Technical directors. comprising the technical directors for Research, Programs and Administration. Under the Research technical director is a team of research project managers each responsible for specific research studies undertaken by MDA. The technical director is responsible for recruitment and supervision of subject matter experts for any of the research studies while the technical director for administration oversees the finance & accounting as well as the operations portfolios of MDA. MDA’s Technical Capacity MDA is endowed with a solid profile, practical experience and tested ability for timely delivery of services. We always aim to exceed the expectations of our clients by offering outstanding customer service through increased flexibility, and greater value with strict adherence to professional and work ethics. The firm has the capacity to compose a team for an assignment based on the client specifications on the assignment objectives and on assessment on the subject matter. Our Mission To empower young people by providing them with the resources, skills as well as support they need to build sustainable livelihoods through nature-based enterprises: We believe in tackling the interconnected crises of poverty, climate change and biodiversity loss. By working with youth, the largest demographic group globally, we aim to overcome barriers and implement the solutions our planet urgently needs. Our Vision We envision a world where young people can thrive, fulfill their dreams, and enrich their lives: By leveraging entrepreneurship and innovation, we strive to alleviate extreme poverty among youth in Africa. Our programs are designed to co-create locally relevant solutions with young people, strengthening their livelihoods and resilience. Why the Youth? Youth constitute an essential demographic in Kenya, where an estimated 78% of the population is under 35 years old. With unemployment being the top concern for 63% of the youth, MDA recognizes the urgent need to provide opportunities and support to this vital group. Young people are key to the economy, especially in rural development. However, they face challenges such as unemployment, lack of skills, and vulnerability to climate change impacts. MDA is committed to addressing these challenges by empowering youth with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in agriculture and other nature-based enterprises. Programmatic Areas Skills Development Program We empower the youth to overcome hurdles such as limited access to credit, technology, and market opportunities through workshops or training programs. Our programs equip them with essential employability skills and connect them directly to potential employers. By fostering financial literacy and entrepreneurial thinking, we prepare young people for successful careers in agriculture and other industries. Agribusiness Program MDA fosters food security by investing in youth-led agribusiness value chains. We support young farmers by improving their management, production, and marketing capabilities, ultimately increasing their incomes and creating sustainable employment opportunities. Current Value Chains: Pumpkin value addition and market linkage, Beverage crops, e.g. rosemary. Climate Change Resilience We promote climate-smart agricultural technologies and innovations to help youth-led enterprises withstand the impacts of climate change. Our interventions support the development of green jobs and sustainable livelihoods, contributing to national climate action goals. Current Interventions: Honey processing and beverage–organic tea Climate Justice Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on youth, we advocate for climate justice and equity. We support young people in making their businesses and value chains more resilient to climate change, and we promote real solutions like agroecology over false solutions. Services MDA offers consultancy services on various assessment reports. Our expertise extends to providing comprehensive evaluations and actionable recommendations across different sectors. The following are some areas of strength; 1. Food security and livelihood 2. Health and Nutrition 3. Monitoring and evaluation 4. Gender analysis and mainstreaming 5. Resource mapping Water and sanitation 6. Environmental Impact Assessment 7. Peacebuilding and Governance 8. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 9. Food security and sustainable livelihoods 10. Change Management Experts 11. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) initiatives and climate change mitigation 12. Socio-Economic Development We have completed assignments in the following areas, contributing to the growth and resilience of youth-led African enterprises. 1. Entrepreneurship and business plan development 2. Business coaching and mentorship 3. Tax consultancy and training 4. Feasibility studies, assessments, and recommendation reports 5. Linkages to financial services and markets MDA creates significant environmental and social value from increasing biodiversity and improving air and water quality to contributing and water quality to contributing to the health and well-being of communities. Economic value created: Skills Development Innovation Job Creation Environmental value created: Biodiversity Green/Blue Space Water/Air Quality Social value created: Environmental Attitudes Community Empowerment Health & Wellbeing END The areas of intervention of MDA with these structures cover; Research and evaluation on community development, Food Security and Livelihood, micro-finance, Village Savings and Loan Associations, support for IDPs, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, education, resilience responses to food crises, agricultural production, disaster risks prevention, food crises, health, malnutrition, WASH, child protection and gender issues.

In its mandate, the organization has either been involved directly or members of its personnel getting involved in key components of projects facilitated by partners/associates. The Staff of the firm comprises a group of highly qualified and motivated individuals in various fields. Our proposed team has vast experience and is adequately suited to carry out the assignment.

MDA prides itself in the use of appropriate and innovative technology and the application of participatory approaches. This ensures efficiency and effectiveness thereby meeting standards of cost effectiveness, timeliness, and desired outcomes. We will meet your institutional as well as client needs.

Our Mission

To empower young people by providing them with the resources, skills as well as support they need to build sustainable livelihoods through nature-based enterprises: We believe in tackling the interconnected crises of poverty, climate change and biodiversity loss. By working with youth, the largest demographic group globally, we aim to overcome barriers and implement the solutions our planet urgently needs.

Our Vision

We envision a world where young people can thrive, fulfill their dreams, and enrich their lives: By leveraging entrepreneurship and innovation, we strive to alleviate extreme poverty among youth in Africa. Our programs are designed to co-create locally relevant solutions with young people, strengthening their livelihoods and resilience.

Why the Youth?

Youth constitute an essential demographic in Kenya, where an estimated 78% of the population is under 35 years old. With unemployment being the top concern for 63% of the youth, MDA recognizes the urgent need to provide opportunities and support to this vital group. Young people are key to the economy, especially in rural development. However, they face challenges such as unemployment, lack of skills, and vulnerability to climate change impacts. MDA is committed to addressing these challenges by empowering youth with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in agriculture and other nature-based enterprises.

Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) “Nature Based Solutions, Connecting to Nature” Naromoru, Nyeri County HBV House, Munyu Road. Ground Floor P.O. Box 105-10200 | Nyeri-Kenya +254-720 005 717 info@mda.co.ke COMPANY PROFILE 4 2024 Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) “Nature Based Solutions, Connecting to Nature” Introduction What is nature-based solutions? MDA Connecting Nature Framework? Microbusiness Development Africa defines nature-based solutions as solutions to societal change that are “Inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more, and more diverse, nature and natural features and processes into cities, landscapes, and seascapes, through locally adapted, resource-efficient and systemic interventions. Hence, nature-based solutions must benefit biodiversity and support the delivery of a range of ecosystem services.” Designing and implementing nature-based solutions on a scale that delivers economic, environmental, and social co-benefits, while also building resilience and benefiting biodiversity is complex with many different issues to consider. Many questions arise: • What is the best solution for the area? • Who will manage it? • How will it be financed? • Who needs to be involved in the design, implementation, and maintenance? • How to measure the economic, environmental, and social impact? • Will it support innovation and generate jobs? • How can we manage change? Even identifying where to start can often be a challenge! Background Founded in 2018, Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) operates from its headquarters in Naro Moru, Kenya. Our commitment extends beyond business; we are dedicated to environmental stewardship and holistic wellness. Through our initiatives, we empower youth to transition out of poverty and build sustainable futures in harmony with nature. The organization has its niche in food security and livelihood, microfinance, human resources, health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, environment and capacity building/training. Who We Are Microbusiness Development Africa (MDA) is a national enterprise-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where youth and nature can thrive. Founded with a mission to empower youth through nature-based business solutions, MDA is committed to improving lives while reducing the carbon footprint within rural farming landscapes. The areas of intervention of MDA with these structures cover; Research and evaluation on community development, Food Security and Livelihood, micro-finance, Village Savings and Loan Associations, support for IDPs, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, education, resilience responses to food crises, agricultural production, disaster risks prevention, food crises, health, malnutrition, WASH, child protection and gender issues. In its mandate, the organization has either been involved directly or members of its personnel getting involved in key components of projects facilitated by partners/associates. The Staff of the firm comprises a group of highly qualified and motivated individuals in various fields. Our proposed team has vast experience and is adequately suited to carry out the assignment. Our motto - ‘‘Putting Ideas into Action’’ MDA prides itself in the use of appropriate and innovative technology and the application of participatory approaches. This ensures efficiency and effectiveness thereby meeting standards of cost effectiveness, timeliness, and desired outcomes. We will meet your institutional as well as client needs. At the topmost level in the management structure of MDA is the board of directors. The board is responsible for recruitment, supervision, retaining, evaluating, and compensating key portfolio managers. The board provides direction for the organization and has a strategic function in realizing its vision; mission and goals of the organization, including the development and implementation of supportive policies needed to enable MDA to achieve its goals and objectives. It has a monitoring and control function, taking the lead in the auditing process including hiring the auditor and ensuring that the audit is done promptly each year. The chart below illustrates the MDA organizational organogram. Organizational capacity of MDA Below the board of directors is the Managing director, and Technical directors. comprising the technical directors for Research, Programs and Administration. Under the Research technical director is a team of research project managers each responsible for specific research studies undertaken by MDA. The technical director is responsible for recruitment and supervision of subject matter experts for any of the research studies while the technical director for administration oversees the finance & accounting as well as the operations portfolios of MDA. MDA’s Technical Capacity MDA is endowed with a solid profile, practical experience and tested ability for timely delivery of services. We always aim to exceed the expectations of our clients by offering outstanding customer service through increased flexibility, and greater value with strict adherence to professional and work ethics. The firm has the capacity to compose a team for an assignment based on the client specifications on the assignment objectives and on assessment on the subject matter. Our Mission To empower young people by providing them with the resources, skills as well as support they need to build sustainable livelihoods through nature-based enterprises: We believe in tackling the interconnected crises of poverty, climate change and biodiversity loss. By working with youth, the largest demographic group globally, we aim to overcome barriers and implement the solutions our planet urgently needs. Our Vision We envision a world where young people can thrive, fulfill their dreams, and enrich their lives: By leveraging entrepreneurship and innovation, we strive to alleviate extreme poverty among youth in Africa. Our programs are designed to co-create locally relevant solutions with young people, strengthening their livelihoods and resilience. Why the Youth? Youth constitute an essential demographic in Kenya, where an estimated 78% of the population is under 35 years old. With unemployment being the top concern for 63% of the youth, MDA recognizes the urgent need to provide opportunities and support to this vital group. Young people are key to the economy, especially in rural development. However, they face challenges such as unemployment, lack of skills, and vulnerability to climate change impacts. MDA is committed to addressing these challenges by empowering youth with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in agriculture and other nature-based enterprises. Programmatic Areas Skills Development Program We empower the youth to overcome hurdles such as limited access to credit, technology, and market opportunities through workshops or training programs. Our programs equip them with essential employability skills and connect them directly to potential employers. By fostering financial literacy and entrepreneurial thinking, we prepare young people for successful careers in agriculture and other industries. Agribusiness Program MDA fosters food security by investing in youth-led agribusiness value chains. We support young farmers by improving their management, production, and marketing capabilities, ultimately increasing their incomes and creating sustainable employment opportunities. Current Value Chains: Pumpkin value addition and market linkage, Beverage crops, e.g. rosemary. Climate Change Resilience We promote climate-smart agricultural technologies and innovations to help youth-led enterprises withstand the impacts of climate change. Our interventions support the development of green jobs and sustainable livelihoods, contributing to national climate action goals. Current Interventions: Honey processing and beverage–organic tea Climate Justice Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on youth, we advocate for climate justice and equity. We support young people in making their businesses and value chains more resilient to climate change, and we promote real solutions like agroecology over false solutions. Services MDA offers consultancy services on various assessment reports. Our expertise extends to providing comprehensive evaluations and actionable recommendations across different sectors. The following are some areas of strength; 1. Food security and livelihood 2. Health and Nutrition 3. Monitoring and evaluation 4. Gender analysis and mainstreaming 5. Resource mapping Water and sanitation 6. Environmental Impact Assessment 7. Peacebuilding and Governance 8. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 9. Food security and sustainable livelihoods 10. Change Management Experts 11. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) initiatives and climate change mitigation 12. Socio-Economic Development We have completed assignments in the following areas, contributing to the growth and resilience of youth-led African enterprises. 1. Entrepreneurship and business plan development 2. Business coaching and mentorship 3. Tax consultancy and training 4. Feasibility studies, assessments, and recommendation reports 5. Linkages to financial services and markets MDA creates significant environmental and social value from increasing biodiversity and improving air and water quality to contributing and water quality to contributing to the health and well-being of communities. Economic value created: Skills Development Innovation Job Creation Environmental value created: Biodiversity Green/Blue Space Water/Air Quality Social value created: Environmental Attitudes Community Empowerment Health & Wellbeing END