We are pleased to announce that we have entered into a strategic alliance. Signed on 1 September 2025, the agreement marks the start of a phased collaboration that will develop and grow in the coming years. 

We share a clear purpose: strengthening people and organisations to achieve lasting impact. With MDF’s global track record in training, evaluations consultancy and organisational development, and iCRA’s deep expertise in agri-food systems transformation. agricultural education and agribusiness development, we bring together more than 80 years of complementary knowledge and networks. 

“From the very beginning we experienced a natural click” Richard Yeboah, CEO of MDF, says. “That personal and professional connection makes it not only logical but also a pleasure to join forces. We can build on each other’s strengths and create something bigger than the sum of our parts.” 

In the year ahead, the alliance will focus on joint development and implementation of multi-country programmes, joint business development initiatives, joint visibility in donor and partner ecosystems and co-location of staff in the Netherlands and Benin. 

Mariëtte Gross, executive director of iCRA: “Our ambition is to grow our impact to thriving, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems in the majority world. In today’s political climate, that is increasingly challenging to do autonomously. That’s why I am very happy to have found a sister organisation in MDF to collaborate with. Together we can overcome these challenges and expand our reach and impact.” 

Although we remain legally independent, we will actively work together wherever it adds value. By joining forces, we can deliver even more meaningful results, for our clients and for the communities we serve.​ 

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Richard Yeboah, CEO of MDF and Mariëtte Gross, executive director of iCRA

Looking ahead 

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The strategic alliance between MDF and iCRA opens doors to larger programmes, broader networks, enlarged geographical reach and stronger propositions in agriculture, food systems, youth employment and inclusive value chains. By combining expertise and reach, both organisations are better equipped to respond to global challenges and to meet needs and expectations of funders and partners. MDF and iCRA look forward to shaping this new chapter together, to achieve concrete results for the people and communities they serve.

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