ABOUT US
Vikāra: Ancient Sanskrit term recognizing emergent change and transformation
OUR MISSION
Vikāra Institute is a non-profit, process-driven learning and technical inquiry organization accelerating inclusive development to support resilient and growing systems. Vikāra supports the positive development of systems with direct impact on markets, livelihoods, health, education, women and girls, youth and the environment.
* formerly operating as EcoVentures International
Learn more about our past projects here.
MEET OUR TEAM
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Dumisani Nyoni
CHAIR PERSON
Harare, Zimbabwe
Margie Brand
FOUNDER
Cape Town, South Africa
Nancy Fischer
Washington D.C., USA
Dr. Gwen el Sawi
Maryland, USA
TEAM MEMBERS
Michael Field
SENIOR SYSTEMS THINKING SPECIALIST
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Ana Bilik
SENIOR ASSOCIATE: STRATEGY & PARTNERSHIPS
Washington, D.C., USA
Suzanne Brennan
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Washington, D.C., USA
Jim Wallace
FINANCIAL ASSOCIATE
Washington, D.C., USA
Sesetu Holomisa
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
Cape Town, South Africa
Annegrethe Scholtz
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Cape Town, South Africa
Hasti Pansuriya
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Cape Town, South Africa
Bronté McDonald
PROGRAM & COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
London, United Kingdom
Omeka Ntombela
PROGRAM Assistant
Cape Town, South Africa
Mem Mhalangu
PROGRAM INTERN
Cape Town, South Africa
CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT GOALS
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Market Systems, Value Chain & Entrepreneurial EcoSystems
Vikāra Institute uses systems lenses to catalyze change in value chains and entrepreneurial ecosystems leading to more competitive, inclusive and resilient market systems that can deliver more varied pathways out of poverty.
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Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition
Vikāra Institute's work in food security and nutrition often interconnects with value chain and agricultural market systems as Vikāra focuses on using system lenses and thinking to leverage market forces to deliver improved outcomes in food security and nutrition.
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Health & Social Systems
Similar to Vikāra Institute's work in food security and nutrition, Vikāra uses system lenses and thinking to leverage market forces to deliver improved outcomes in health and social wellbeing.
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Market-led Education, Livelihood, Enterprise & Workforce Development
Vikāra Institute's work in market-led education, livelihood, enterprise and workforce development is interconnected with market systems. Through the application of systems thinking approaches, Vikāra leverages change in market systems that better align market forces leading to improved outcomes in education and labor market systems.
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Climate Adaption & Natural Resource Management
Similar to Vikāra Institute's work in food security, nutrition, health and social systems, Vikāra uses system lenses and thinking to leverage market forces to deliver improved climate adaptation and natural resource management outcomes.
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Youth, Women & Other Vulnerable Groups
Central to Vikāra Institute's application of systems thinking and approaches is the understanding that market systems require increased inclusivity in order to be competitive and resilient. In this regard, Vikāra uses systems lenses and frameworks to understand and lower barriers for improved access and equal rights, all leading to greater inclusivity.