Start with people. Understand the problem. Build what works
IDF's experience has shaped a way of working rather than a fixed formula.
We begin by listening to people and understanding their context. We seek to identify the constraint that matters, build the capabilities needed to address it, and connect people to appropriate resources, opportunities and markets.
We test, learn and adapt along the way. Where collective action or institutions can create lasting value, we help build them. Where people and their institutions become capable of doing more themselves, we step back.
Our principles
Start with people and context
Understand how people live, work, earn and make decisions before designing solutions.
Find the real constraint
Use evidence, data and field experience to identify the constraint that matters before designing the response.
Build capability
Strengthen the knowledge, skills and confidence people need to understand, decide and act.
Make finance an enabler
Timely and appropriate finance can enable people to invest, adopt technology, build enterprises and pursue livelihood opportunities. Finance is a means, not the goal.
Use appropriate technology
Technology should respond to a real need, be feasible in its context and create measurable value.
Build ownership
Solutions become more durable when people participate in shaping, using and sustaining them.
Learn and adapt
Experience, evidence and changing circumstances require approaches to evolve.
Know when to step back
The stronger people and their institutions become, the less they should need IDF to do what they can increasingly do for themselves.
A way of working, shaped by experience.