Creating Ever Lasting Livelihoods for Human Rights Promotion and Peace Building Livestock Health and Management Natural Resource Management Water Sanitation and Hygiene
MADEFO is a Karimojong-led indigenous organization working with pastoralist women, youth and communities across Moroto, Amudat, Nakapiripirit, Nabilatuk and Napak — on livelihoods, climate resilience, human rights and peace.
A Karimojong response to poverty, conflict and a changing climate
Matheniko Development Forum (MADEFO) was founded in December 1998 as a local indigenous organization to support Karimojong pastoralists — women, youth, children and marginalized groups — to improve their livelihoods. Headquartered in Moroto District, we're legally registered with the National NGO Board (2000) and the Registrar of Companies (2001).
The organization was formed in response to pervasive poverty, a low human development index, human rights violations from armed conflict and the disarmament programme, a devastating environment, and a high rate of illiteracy — issues that still shape our work today.
Our Vision
An empowered Karimojong people living in a peaceful and poverty-free environment.
Our Mission
To strengthen the capacity of indigenous Karimojong communities to promote human rights in attaining and maintaining sustainable pastoral production strategies for livelihood security and peaceful co-existence.
Five thematic areas, one goal
From animal health to peace dialogues, every MADEFO program is built with — not for — Karimojong pastoral communities.
Livelihoods
Livelihoods & Food Security
Animal health, VSLA savings groups, livestock restocking, apiary and wheat trials.
See the program →
Climate
Climate & Natural Resources
Tree planting, rangeland management, valley dams, and grazing corridor protection.
See the program →
Peace Building
Peace & Conflict Resolution
Dialogues, kraal visits, women's peace foras and cross-community reconciliation.
See the program →Partner with Karimojong communities building their own future
Whether you're a donor, a technical partner or a fellow civil society organization, there's a place to work alongside MADEFO in Karamoja.
Empowering Karamoja Communities for a
Peaceful and Sustainable Future
For more than 28 years, MADEFO has partnered with pastoralist communities across Karamoja to build resilient livelihoods, strengthen human rights, protect the environment, and promote lasting peace.
Supporting over 500,000 people across nine districts of Karamoja.
People Reached
Districts Of Operation
Trees Planted
Partners & Donors
Emergency & Humanitarianism
Progress moves us forward without marginalizing efforts to disrupt responsibility toward a potential the compromising.
Livelihoods & Food Security
Progress moves us forward without marginalizing efforts to disrupt responsibility toward a potential the compromising.
Climate Change & Environment
Progress moves us forward without marginalizing efforts to disrupt responsibility toward a potential the compromising.
Human Rights & Gender Equality
Progress moves us forward without marginalizing efforts to disrupt responsibility toward a potential the compromising.
Good Governance & Accountability
Progress moves us forward without marginalizing efforts to disrupt responsibility toward a potential the compromising.
Peace Building & Conflict Resolution
Progress moves us forward without marginalizing efforts to disrupt responsibility toward a potential the compromising.