IKEA Foundation's Agricultural Livelihoods Strategy

Tasked with supporting the team, Except utilized a systems-based approach to explore how we could improve decision-making at the IKEA Foundation. We first introduced them to Symbiosis in Development (SiD), our unique systems-thinking framework, and then planned and implemendt two co-creation sessions.

Based on the results of these sessions, our team developed a framework for systemic grantmaking designed to be driven from either a local or global, top-down or bottom-up, but inherently community-based perspective.

The strategy was initiated by creating system maps of smallholders and communities at the center of their program and a framework for the team to develop and execute an adaptive and systemic grantmaking strategy.

Collectively, these tools support a vast range of different approaches needed when trying to understand and further develop the complex system within which the Agricultural Livelihoods team is operating.

The team developed additional communication materials and diagrams to help the Agricultural Livelihoods team better explain and align their internal and external strategies.

The tools that emerged from these workshops are crucial to helping the team better understand and improve the IKEA Foundation's vitally important and strategic funding decisions.

Systemic grantmaking is an emerging trend. Pioneers in the field, like the IKEA Foundation and the Agricultural Livelihoods team, are working tirelessly to promote and develop it even further.

By growing their understanding of systems thinking and its tools and using these to identify themes and enhance partnerships, they are well-positioned as an emergent market leader.   

Follow this link if you'd like to read more about Except's unique systemic investment services.