Press Release: iDE integrates Bountifield into its operations, scaling up postharvest handling best practices and partnerships with local entrepreneurs for small-scale, value-added processing
The two international nonprofits deliver programs focused on scaling agriculture and nutrition, climate change resilience, and inclusive growth with last-mile farmers.
Denver, CO (December 20, 2023) – International nonprofit organizations, iDE and Bountifield International, today announced they are joining forces, combining Bountifield’s agricultural expertise with postharvest training and small-scale processing support with iDE’s extensive global footprint and market-based impact for last mile farmers.
As of January 1, 2024, iDE anticipates Bountifield’s operations and programs will be fully integrated within iDE, a global nonprofit committed to powering entrepreneurs to end poverty.
iDE CEO Lizz Welch said the integration will mean Bountifield’s extensive experience and know-how when it comes to postharvest processing and experience with small-scale processing will be scaled up across iDE’s field operations, spread across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
“At iDE, we are delighted to welcome Bountifield into iDE’s operations. Bountifield brings a proud history and strong reputation for agricultural programming and inclusive growth within the international development community,” said Welch.
“By bringing our operations together, we will further strengthen our impact in last-mile communities, partnering with smallholder farmers and emerging agricultural entrepreneurs to boost incomes, enabling people to prosper on their own terms.”
Bountifield CEO Alexandra Spieldoch said integrating with iDE was an important milestone for the organization, and its founder, George Ewing, would be proud to see his legacy continue.
“My goal, and that of the staff and board, has always been to increase our scale and empower more people. The integration with iDE will see us continue supporting rural entrepreneurs with tools and services to efficiently process, save, and sell more food.”
Spieldoch said the two organizations had a like-minded one-to-many approach. For example, iDE supports rural entrepreneurs at the last mile with business training and technology, just like Bountifield, she said.
Under the new arrangement, Spieldoch will step down from her position as CEO on December 31 and will join iDE’s staff on January 1. The organization’s Kenyan staff will carry on implementing programming work under iDE’s operations, while Bountifield’s headquarters staff will remain in Minnesota and be integrated within iDE’s headquarters in Colorado.
As always, we welcome your questions and comments. You can reach us at partnership@ideglobal.org.
About iDE:
iDE (International Development Enterprises) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending poverty. Our work within agriculture, sanitation, climate change resilience, and gender equality, stands out because we don’t simply provide handouts. Instead, iDE believes in powering small-scale entrepreneurs and building robust market ecosystems that lay the groundwork for low income and marginalized people to prosper on their own terms. iDE has almost 1,400 global staff – including those in Cambodia – and offices in 10 countries across Africa, Asia and Central America.
About Bountifield
With offices in Nairobi, Kenya, Bountifield partners with Africa’s private sector to create access to postharvest technologies and business solutions for rural communities, enabling them to process and preserve more food. Bountifield provides technical, business and marketing training and support to micro-entrepreneurs, positioning their agribusinesses for success. Bountifield also develops programs that emphasize inclusive growth, with a focus on women and youth.