A Decade of Impact

Ten years, multiple projects, tens of thousands of farmers capacitated, hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries reached, and finally, all the work to promote inclusive, systemic changes. FFD has facilitated smallholder farmers’ and forest keepers’ resilience, well-being, and strengthened their organizations to continue operating even if our collaboration may end. This has been the story of FFD, and we are glad to continue it.

The testimonies presented in this publication show the mark that our work has left in so many people’s lives. While welfare and income generated are important, we believe strongly that the key to any progress is in people’s minds. Any change in practices requires a change in attitudes. Skills and knowledge are needed to support this and in this, the role of twins can be crucial.

Any change in practices requires a change in attitudes.

At the beginning of any project, the enthusiasm and motivation are normally high and the implementation starts with energy. The moments of change arise when problems and challenges are met. In many cases, those are the pivotal times that determine whether the objectives of the project can be sustained and kept. Coaching, encouragement, and support provided in those moments are needed to solve the issues and to find again the motivation and strive to continue. Consistent backing and flexibility are the key to facilitating the development path through the rocky patches. In this FFD, represents a reliable partner.

FFD’s strength is its ability to connect project and grassroots teachings, observations and messages to international and global development policy. Fingo’s working groups, members and partners have benefited from this strong analysis and FFD’s solid expertise. We feel that FFD is one of the most versatile organizations for its size, combining livelihood and private sector development issues, inequality and equality issues, agriculture and forestry, and climate work through coherent projects from the local level to the global political arenas.

– Juha-Erkki Mäntyniemi, Executive Director of Fingo

We wish FFD growing success for its next decade and are pleased to be able to count on FFD's strong contribution also to the added value of AgriCord alliance.

– Katja Vuori, Programme Director of AgriCord