On January 13th, Dean Shoemaker from the Mennonite Economic Development Agency presented to the club on MEDA and how its international philanthropic investments leverage significant multiplier effects to support sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship in developing countries.Our International Allocations committee donated $9,000 to Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in December as part of a $13.3 million multi-partner project in Honduras and the Philippines that aims for significant economic impact while improving livelihoods. The project combines $11.7 million from Global Affairs Canada, $468,000 from private donors, and $1 million from MEDA’s risk capital fund. Expected outcomes across the project include creating 5,000 full-time jobs, benefiting 7,000 smallholder farmers, and supporting 80 business clients in the value chains. The private donations multiply nearly 10 times through matching public funds, amplifying the club’s impact significantly. This strategy aligns with long-term poverty reduction through business development, not just short-term aid.
MEDA focuses on projects in agriculture sectors like cacao and coffee, working closely with women entrepreneurs to build sustainable value chains. Success stories include a 30% average yield increase for farmers and a 400% revenue increase for business partners in the Philippines. The approach emphasizes respect, local leadership, and cultural alignment, ensuring projects are community-driven and sustainable. The Honduras project, launched in March 2025, is still ramping up staff and partnerships but is expected to replicate these successes.
Our club’s donations contribute to a revolving risk capital fund that supports ongoing loans and investments, sustaining impact over decades. The club’s international committee prioritizes projects with clear multiplier effects and strong local engagement, such as the cacao and Honduras projects, ensuring effective use of funds. Other supported projects include local food programs and school-focused initiatives, emphasizing diverse impact areas. The committee balances limited resources by selecting high-impact opportunities and maintaining transparency with members
There has been an expressed interest in organizing a club visit to the project in Honduras tentatively scheduled for January 2027, fostering deeper member engagement with international work.
For further information on the MEDA program supported by our club:
Philippines https://www.meda.org/program/riisa/
Honduras https://www.meda.org/program/ocida/