Focus on Sustainable Impact
“I-DEV International is focused on impact and results. We evaluate each one of our engagements as any for-profit investment firm would, based on Return on Investment for both the community and our corporate clients. We even tie our compensation to it.”
Patricia Chin-Sweeney,
Director of Business Development
I-DEV International is unique because we focus not only on developing the initial project strategy, but also on carefully managed, flexible implementation. We ensure impact and results by actively managing each phase of an engagement’s lifecycle, from design through implementation to true sustainability. Additionally, we tie our fee structure to performance, making I-DEV one of the only development firms to link its compensation directly to delivering measurable results. We measure results on each individual project through value created in comparison to capital invested (Return On Investment, or Social Return on Investment).
Project Highlights:
PROJECT TARA CAJAMARCA – BUILDING A $30 MILLION INDUSTRY IN PERU’S NORTHERN HIGHLANDS
I-DEV has advised the Asociación de Productores de Tara de San Marcos (APT), a farmers cooperative in Northern Perú, since its inception in 2007 to develop greater economic opportunity from tara. Through extensive agricultural research, in-the-field training on improved cultivation techniques, incorporation of business incentives, and establishment of a region-wide network of producers that sell to a guaranteed purchaser, I-DEV has helped APT become the largest, most successful supplier of unprocessed tara in Peru. For the past 2 years, APT has generated nearly $1 million in revenue and stimulated the growth of a $30 million region-wide tara industry, resulting in increased average household income for 6,000 local farmers from $0.85 to $5.88 per day. APT recently contracted I-DEV to design and implement the world’s first organic tara certification program and to help manage its expansion to other departments of Peru. I -DEV is also helping APT to secure working capital and long-term infrastructure loans.
Read the Project Tara Cajamarca Case Study.
MARKETING AND SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR 2 ORGANIC COOPERATIVES IN MEXICO
I-DEV is working with Playa Viva Resorts and the Opportunity Collaboration Conference to help develop and grow 2 local farmer-based organic cooperatives outside of Zihuatanejo, Mexico: one, an artisanal salt coop that works the same ancient salt plains used by the Aztecs, and the other, an organic produce coop. I-DEV conducted a best practices/SWOT analysis and will present at the Opportunity Collaboration Conference on ways in which conference attendees can assist these two cooperatives to scale and thrive.
DOING DEVELOPMENT IN…TRAINING PROGRAM IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT & CSR
I-DEV’s Doing Development In…program (DDI) trains the next generation of global social entrepreneurs on innovative practices. DDI brings graduate students and professionals from around the world to Peru for educational sessions on cutting-edge, market-based sustainable development, development financing and corporate social responsibility. Through discussions with top organizations such as The Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative, Root Capital, Kiva, Technoserve, and Social Capital Group, workshops on grassroots development and community relations in Cajamarca, host family stays, and an in-the-field case study, DDI exposes participants to the unique challenges faced by families, institutions and corporations in developing countries. Visit www.doingdevelopmentin.com.
TOURISM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CAJAMARCA REGION, PERU
I-DEV is overseeing a region-wide, multifaceted macro-tourism project for Cajamarca, Peru in coordination with the local and regional governments, tourism-related institutions, local small businesses, and international investors. This project includes organizing cultural events, promoting development of unexcavated ruins, and development of nascent industries that appeal to national and international tourists, accompanied by an internationally-focused tourism website. I-DEV is also advising on plans for a luxury geothermal hot springs resort.
LOCAL FOOD SERVICES SUPPLY CHAIN DEVELOPMENT
I-DEV is advising a large food services provider on developing a local fresh produce supply chain in Northern Peru. Currently, this company sources its produce from the Peruvian Coast, a 20+ hour drive away. By developing a local supply chain that adheres to strict sanitation and quality standards, I-DEV is helping its client reduce costs while simultaneously empowering the local community. I-DEV has also recommended the development of a local food processing facility that will free up existing bottlenecks and enable locals to produce premium packaged goods.
FILLING THE MISSING MIDDLE: PIONEERING INNOVATIONS IN DEVELOPMENT FINANCE
Drawing on its Partner’s backgrounds in investment banking and venture capital, I-DEV is developing new approaches to address the capital gap (the lack of start-up financing) that exists between micro-finance and multi-million dollar project financing. I-DEV is currently pioneering a new model for micro-finance, called Aggregated Lending, as well as piloting a hybrid for-profit venture capital and development investment fund.