MIKOKO SHOP
Community Markets for Nature, Livelihoods, and the Future
1. About Mikoko Shop
Mikoko Shop is a social enterprise platform designed to unlock sustainable income for coastal and riverine communities in Tanzania, especially women and youth, by connecting community-produced goods to ethical, transparent, and impact-driven markets.
Rooted in environmental conservation and community development, Mikoko Shop transforms conservation efforts, such as mangrove restoration, tree planting, and climate action, into tangible household economic benefits, ensuring that protecting nature also improves lives.
Mikoko Shop operates as an enterprise initiative closely linked with Mikoko Development Foundation (MDF) and its partners.
2. Legal Status
Mikoko Shop operates in compliance with the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania and may be implemented through:
- A registered business entity under the Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA); and/or
- Special-purpose enterprises or cooperative structures aligned with MDF-led programs.
Where applicable, Mikoko Shop activities are governed by formal agreements, MoUs, and operational policies that define roles, ownership, accountability, and benefit-sharing.
3. Compliance and Governance
Mikoko Shop is committed to strong governance, transparency, and accountability, aligned with:
- Tanzanian business and labor laws
- Environmental and natural resource regulations
- Child protection and safeguarding standards
- ESG, CSR, and responsible sourcing principles
Operational oversight is supported by:
- Clear financial management and reporting systems
- Ethical procurement and fair-trade principles
- Community consent and participation (FPIC where applicable)
- Regular monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)
4. Vision
A thriving coastal and riverine economy where communities prosper by protecting nature.
5. Mission
To strengthen community economic resilience—especially for women and youth, by creating inclusive market access for sustainable, locally produced goods that support environmental conservation and climate action.
6. Why Mikoko Shop
Mikoko Shop exists to address three interconnected challenges:
- Limited market access for community products despite high local skills
- Economic vulnerability among women and youth in conservation areas
- Weak linkage between environmental conservation and household income
Mikoko Shop bridges this gap by:
- Turning conservation into income opportunities
- Creating ethical value chains linked to restoration and climate programs
- Providing business skills, financial literacy, and market exposure
- Offering donors and clients verifiable social, economic, and environmental impact
7. Organizational Structure
Mikoko Shop operates with a lean but accountable structure:
- Enterprise Lead (Mikoko Shop Lead)
Provides strategic direction, partnerships, and enterprise growth oversight. - Operations & Supply Chain Team
Coordinates community groups, production quality, aggregation, and logistics. - Community Producer Groups (Mikoko Groups)
Women and youth-led groups producing goods and services. - Finance & Compliance Support
Ensures transparent payments, reporting, and donor compliance. - Advisory & Oversight (via MDF and Partners)
Provides governance, safeguards, ESG alignment, and strategic guidance.
8. Products and Services
Mikoko Shop supports and markets a range of community-produced, environmentally responsible products, including:
- Mangrove and tree-based products (where legally permitted)
- Handicrafts and eco-artisan goods
- Sustainable fisheries-related products and value-added processing
- Eco-friendly household items
- Educational kits and conservation-themed materials
- Youth innovation and green enterprise products
All products are sourced through ethical, legal, and environmentally responsible practices.
9. Impact Management
Mikoko Shop integrates impact measurement into operations, tracking:
Social Impact
- Income growth for women and youth
- Financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills
- Job creation and youth engagement
- Gender inclusion and leadership
Environmental Impact
- Mangrove and tree survival linked to livelihoods
- Reduced pressure on natural ecosystems
- Conservation stewardship incentives
- Climate mitigation and adaptation co-benefits
Economic Impact
- Stable market access for community products
- Fair pricing and transparent payments
- Local value retention within communities
Impact data is documented and can be shared with donors and clients through reports, dashboards, and case studies.
10. Partnership Opportunities
Mikoko Shop welcomes collaboration with:
- Donors and development partners
- Corporate CSR and ESG programs
- Ethical buyers and distributors
- Impact investors
- Climate and conservation initiatives
- Education and youth development partners
Partnerships may include:
- Product sourcing agreements
- Co-branded impact products
- Livelihood sponsorship models
- Youth enterprise incubation
- Climate and conservation-linked value chains
11. Transparency and Accountability
Mikoko Shop commits to:
- Clear documentation of revenues and benefit-sharing
- Regular reporting to partners and donors
- Community feedback mechanisms
- Independent audits where required
12. Long-Term Sustainability
Mikoko Shop is designed as a self-sustaining enterprise, gradually reducing dependency on grants by:
- Strengthening market demand
- Building local production capacity
- Reinvesting revenues into community growth
- Aligning enterprise growth with MDF’s long-term conservation and climate programs
13. Closing Statement
Mikoko Shop is more than a marketplace — it is a bridge between nature, people, and responsible markets. By investing in Mikoko Shop, donors and clients directly contribute to stronger communities, healthier ecosystems, and a sustainable future for Tanzania’s coast and beyond.