2024 was the Movement for Community-led Development’s (MCLD) first year in our new structure as a Movement Organization. After seven years of development and strategic growth within The Hunger Project, we successfully transitioned to an autonomous framework, positioning ourselves for an even greater impact in advancing community-led development worldwide.
As we reflect on some of the specifics of 2024, we hope you will see that our commitment to community-led development has been unwavering and impactful.
Our Network: Our global network now spans 25 countries through existing or under-formation National Associations (depicted below). Hear directly from our National Associations about what they are celebrating this year:
MCLD’s Existing National Associations and National Associations In Formation:
Hear directly from some of our National Associations below.
Benin
2024 was dedicated to strengthening the involvement and commitment of youth in CLD-Benin. Key highlights include the celebration of International Volunteer Day on December 5, which brought together various organizations to amplify youth commitment to the MCLD’s mission, leading to the launch of the “Youth Commitment for MCLD in Benin and West Africa” initiative, aimed at increasing youth participation in volunteering and supporting local and regional development.
Additionally, CLD-Benin hosted and participated in several key events, such as training on the Participatory CLD Assessment Tool at the University of Abomey-Calavi, a West Africa regional training, and strategic planning workshops to develop its future roadmap. The Association also played an active role in the launch of a national nutrition policy and took part in various workshops. These efforts reflect CLD-Benin’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable development in areas such as agriculture, nutrition, climate change, and local economic growth.
Brazil (Mobilizing)
We held two meetings with indigenous organizations from Brazil that would like to create a NA within our movement. Organizations in Brazil are looking forward to joining a regional movement as much as to building internal strength by the creation of a unified front for communities in the country.
Burundi (Mobilizing)
In just four months since it started mobilizing, Burundi’s upcoming National Association has made impressive strides in promoting sustainable community development. The network grew from 25 to 50 member organizations.
The upcoming National Association in Burundi joined a key advocacy opportunity in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), providing support to young mothers, organizing a dialogue with leaders on GBV prevention, and promoting positive masculinity through workshops. A community football match further engaged youth in peace and unity messages. Extensive media coverage of these activities helped raise awareness and amplify the impact of MCLD’s work in the community.
Colombia (Mobilizing)
MCLD is mobilizing in Colombia! Ten organizations including Afro-descendant and youth leaders, climate change activists and those that focus on assisting victims of violence and displaced communities in Valle del Cauca, have already collaborated on various initiatives, including activities for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
On December 14th, 2024, the organizations, led by FUNVIMUFROIN, held an in-person convening in Bugalagrande, Colombia, where they hosted MCLD’s LAC coordinator.
Ethiopia
A key focus for MCLD Ethiopia has been capacity strengthening. Highlights for the National Association include a training workshop on investing in the gender-based fiscal decentralization process, a training for CBOs and CSos at the Woreda level, and policy research on decentralization and community leadership.
Honduras (Mobilizing)
As part of our growth in the LAC region, MCLD is also in the process of forming a National Association in Honduras.
Given the country’s history of division within civil society, a key priority is fostering unity and collaboration, much like our work in Colombia. Many collectives have faced competition for attention and resources, so our goal is to build a future where no one is left behind. In the upcoming follow-up meeting, communities and grassroots groups will begin identifying strategic priorities that could form the foundation of their collective action plan.
Kenya
MCLD Kenya is dedicated to strengthening devolution. We have worked with county governments in Makueni, Taita Taveta, Bomet, and Kisumu in policy formation and capacity strengthening. Members from the National Association participated in the Africa Localization and Decentralization Conference, meeting directly with government actors to discuss integrating CLD into their policies. MCLD Kenya also contributed to the publication of the Africa Gender Index Report.
Latin America
MCLD is driving dynamic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean under the leadership of a new regional coordinator, with exciting momentum building in the second half of 2024. We’ve expanded our network to 20 dedicated friends and members in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panamá, Perú, Uruguay and Venezuela.
This growth has significantly enhanced MCLD’s inclusivity, highlighted by our first-ever global call in Spanish this October, marking a major milestone for our network.
Liberia
MCLD Liberia has been effectively engaging new members and initiating programs that will create solidarity to enhance sustainable and resilient communities. Members in Liberia engaged and advocated for local children and students this year. A highlight for Association members was participating in the West African Regional Participatory CLD Assessment Training Tool in Benin.
Malawi
In 2024, MCLD Malawi successfully trained over 50 civil society organizations and reached even more through the Participatory CLD Assessment Tool, supported by a grant from World Vision. The organization also secured funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to host a USAID dialogue on locally-led development. MCLD played a key role in the National Localisation Conference and expressed interest in joining the steering committee for the localization agenda. Our progress was bolstered by the official registration of MCLD in Malawi, the establishment of a board, and our first AGM, where we laid the groundwork for a strong year in 2025.
Nigeria
In Nigeria, our National Association called the Strategic Action for Community Development (SACD-Nigeria) reached 1,291 communities in 2024 through its focus on improving gender justice, trauma healing, and employment opportunities for survivors of gender-based violence. Through community meetings, capacity strengthening opportunities, focus group discussions, and more, SACD-N is working to change stigmas around women and girls, ensure access to education for girls, and increase women’s participation in decision-making.
Sierra Leone
In 2024, the MCLD Sierra Leone National Association made significant strides in its growth and impact. Key achievements include registration with Corporate Affairs Sierra Leone and the development of a five-year strategic plan, ready for launch. The NA marked important international events, including Zero FGM Tolerance Day, International Youth Day, and the 16 Days of Activism. MCLD Sierra Leone also participated in a regional capacity-strengthening workshop on the Participatory CLD assessment tool and conducted three training sessions on CLD for local partners.
Togo
In 2024, MCLD Togo (DPC Togo) made significant strides in promoting inclusive and sustainable development. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Territorial Administration on September 11, the organization expanded its efforts in environmental protection, education, health, and institutional strengthening. Key achievements included sensitizing over 120 women farmers on the use of biodigesters for biogas production, training 50 participants in reusable bag production, and reaching 200 young people and 50 parents with sexual and reproductive health awareness programs.
DPC Togo also organized career orientation workshops for 150 students and participated in a regional training on the Participatory CLD Assessment Tool, contributing to the development of a strategic plan for 2025-2030. The year culminated in involvement in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and the launch of practical training for women’s economic empowerment. Looking ahead, MCLD Togo plans to further enhance its community impact and expand its network of partnerships.
Uganda
In 2024, MCLD Uganda made progress in advancing locally-led development, fostering new partnerships, and strengthening organizational capacity. Key highlights included hosting USAID for a consultation with community-based organizations and a storytelling and wellness retreat under the PxP program, a vibrant Annual General Meeting.
MCLD Uganda also signed a strategic MoU with The Hunger Project for the Right2Grow project, and welcoming a new leadership team for the Steering Committee. The Association expanded its impact through volunteer recruitment, launching monthly East Africa meetings, and developing fundraising strategies. MCLD Uganda also made its mark in advocacy and partnerships, contributing to forums like the National Nutrition Forum, taking part in a dynamic Women in Leadership panel, and leading workshops on food systems and WASH.
With a focus on strengthening community-based policies and preparing for global engagements, 2024 was a year of growth, collaboration, and empowerment for MCLD Uganda!