MDF interventions
benefitted
478,030
people
MDF interventions
benefitted
478,030
people
generated
AUD242 million
in additional
income
generated
AUD242 million
in additional
income
stimulated
AUD41.5million
in Private Sector
Investment
stimulated
AUD41.5million
in Private Sector
Investment
and positively
impacted
210,880
women
and positively
impacted
210,880
women
Climate Change
Key Achievements in 2024
MDF contributed 52 per cent of its budget to DFAT’s climate finance goal in 2023-24, exceeding the 30 per cent target.
MDF delivered research pieces and hosted influencing events related to climate change, including demand for rooftop solar in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, trends in sustainable tourism in Fiji, and exploring the future impact of climate change on coffee production in Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste.
MDF operationalised a facility-wide climate change fund to provide additional funding for innovative climate change ideas in Sri Lanka, Fiji and Timor-Leste.
MDF delivered two presentations at the Fifth National Climate Change Conference in Dili, Timor-Leste.
MDF published a case study, ‘The Business Case for Investing in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Agriculture,’ that explored examples of successful adaptation- and mitigation-focused business models implemented by MDF partners. MDF also developed a climate change investment pitch to better communicate its value to businesses.
In 2024, aligned with DFAT’s International Development Policy, MDF prioritised integrating climate change into its portfolio. MDF supported businesses, farmers, and other institutions to understand the specific risks and opportunities posed by climate change and co-invested in business models addressing climate change adaptation or mitigation.
MDF’s investments in climate change aligned with key host-government priorities. In 2024, MDF attracted significant private investment towards meeting objectives in key climate policies, including National Adaptation Plans and Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement. MDF also collaborated with governments to share insights and information related to climate-relevant opportunities.
Translating climate risk to business decisions
Translating climate risk to business decisions
Coffee is often pointed to as a crop which is incredibly vulnerable to a changing climate. Some estimates suggest a loss of up to 80 per cent of arabica production by 2050. In 2024, MDF worked with climate scientists, government and industry stakeholders to, first, understand the country-specific impact of climate change on coffee cultivatio and then translate these projections into actionable industry advice.
In Timor-Leste, coffee is an important cash crop for 37 per cent of households and is the largest source of non-oil export revenue. Building resilience to climate change is crucial for the long-term viability of this important sector.
KEY HOUSEHOLD CASH CROP
COFFEE 37%
Sri Lanka is an emerging coffee producer with low volumes. There is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to expand production and compete in high-value, quality export markets. Businesses need to make decisions about how to expand with the best prospects for long-term productivity.
CONTRIBUTION TO COFFEE PRODUCTION
SMALLHOLDERS 80%
Research, Impact Measurement and Inclusion
The Research, Impact Measurement and Inclusion (RIMI) team supports MDF to understand markets, assess the program’s impact, and use data to improve implementation and inform stakeholders. Ensuring that MDF contributes to GEDSI outcomes and addresses climate change are priorities for the team.
In 2024, the 10-person RIMI team conducted over 70 field visits to scope new opportunities, assess baselines and monitor progress, including in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. The team helped develop 85 new intervention concepts in 2024, nearly double the number developed in 2023. A new portfolio dashboard was created to allow up-to-date information to guide decision-making and portfolio management. The team also supported two DFAT evaluations in 2024: the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) in Fiji and Phase 1 of an impact evaluation in Timor-Leste.
Disability Inclusion
DFAT published ‘Australia’s International Disability Equity and Rights Strategy’ in 2024. MDF expanded work on disability inclusion to reflect the new strategy, consulting with OPDs, building staff capacity, and adjusting research and monitoring.
Social Inclusion
MDF recognises that marginalised groups, such as indigenous populations and those in remote areas, can face unique challenges in participating in markets and may not benefit equally from standard interventions.
Gender Inclusion
MDF continues to deepen its understanding of women’s roles in different markets, including the intersections with disability inclusion and climate change. In 2024, MDF investigated how women’s economic participation is affected by climate change. In Sri Lanka, MDF assessed the role of women in agriculture and tourism to promote their participation in these sectors.
100 partnerships
relevant to climate change
100 partnerships
relevant to climate change
62 partnerships
relevant to disability inclusion
62 partnerships
relevant to disability inclusion
144 partnerships
relevant to women’s economic empowerment
144 partnerships
relevant to women’s economic empowerment
