Development Ratings

CEO Miranda Spitteler previously worked for Practical Action (formerly ITDG), has over 16 years experience in the NGO sector, and draws on a grass-roots overseas development background. Her interest was sparked by field study experience on the contribution of woodland resources to the lives of Mozambican refugees in Zambia. Programme Support Director Tony Hill has 16 years experience in overseas development with DfiD and CARE, in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. The Bristol-based charity has Trustees and advisors ranging from current and past senior foresters to development executives with broad African experience. It also has in-country advisors in West Africa. Tree Aid has close, supportive relationships with relevant departments of the country governments, and with multinational organisations operating in the field.

Tree Aid has an office in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with 13 staff, which coordinates the activities in the region. It manages programmes and communications, finance and fundraising. The West Africa Coordinator is Yacouba Ouedraogo who has over 14 years experience working in forestry and natural resource management with NGOs. From Ouagadougou, employees maintain regular contact with the local, national and international partners in the neighbouring countries in which Tree Aid works. To ensure sustainability, Tree Aid has a 15 year Community Forestry Livelihoods Programme to strengthen the ability of partners to support communities after Tree Aid’s funding has ended, by transferring technical, forestry and networking skills.

The rate of income growth rose sharply in 2008 due to institutional funds to support the VTE over several years. The charity has been able to control administration as well as see an improvement in fundraising efficiency which has combined to result in better overall efficiency. This is represented by the programme ratio of 76%. This is a welcome improvement over past weaker years.

Sources of income in 2008 were split as follows: institutional funds 36%, charitable trusts 21%, individuals 24%, community groups 4%, corporate giving 5%, and other 10%.

The expenses split in 2008 was: Mali 51%, Burkina Faso 31%, Ghana 17%, and Ethiopia 1%. Grants to Ethiopia have been falling over recent years as concentration is kept on the West African countries.

The charity’s fundraising efficiency is still above best practice partly due to the high level of support from individual and community group donors. Recent fundraising investment has fed through to slightly improved ratios. At the same time, however, Tree Aid does not have a very high national profile, and efforts are planned in this area and on relations with trusts.