Since 1993, Mercy Corps Kosovo's focus has shifted from relief to recovery to long-term development. Focusing on cross-ethnic initiatives remains a priority and a clear expression of Mercy Corps' core values. Over a thirteen-year period, Mercy Corps Kosovo has implemented over 30 innovative programs.

Mercy Corps' vision in Kosovo is to help foster a society that is economically sustainable and respectful of the rights of all, with active citizen engagement in local government decision-making processes. We are currently pro-actively developing projects which strengthen the capacity of local government to serve its citizens more effectively, and which increase transparency in governance and implementation of the rule of law as well as interventions aimed at strengthening civil society.

All of Mercy Corps' work reflects a commitment to promoting a multi-ethnic Kosovo through programming that is driven by locally identified needs.

Programs in Focus

Municipal Infrastructure Support Initiative (MISI)
The MISI program utilizes an incentive-based approach to encourage municipal authorities and communities to take leading roles in the process of return and reintegration of minority citizens. Municipal Steering Committees are the coordinating mechanism for the program within the Municipality. They work closely with target communities to develop Action Plans that identify local needs related to return and reintegration, as well as the actions to be taken to address these within a set timeframe.

Pilot Program to Develop Farmer Associations
This program encourages the formation of effective Farmers' Associations to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farming families in Kosovo. The program, working in six Municipalities, allows small-scale farmers to utilize new technology and have greater access to markets.

Sustainable Return and Reintegration Program (SRRP)
SRRP aims to sustain the return of displaced residents and improve livelihoods 260 returnee and vulnerable households. Through income-generating grants, the program supports both agricultural and non-agricultural production activities that can be effectively implemented by both returnee and economically vulnerable households.

Lead Agency Program in Prishtinë/Priština Region
Mercy Corps primarily acts as the field agent of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) - gathering information relating to return and protection concerns; monitoring the situation of minority communities; and registering minority returns to and departures from six Municipalities in eastern Kosovo. Mercy Corps also distributes food and non-food items to all families that spontaneously return to the region. Furthermore, the Lead Agency Program allows Mercy Corps to intervene in support of minority return through the implementation of small-scale community-driven projects.

Agency for Finance in Kosovo (AfK)
The Agency for Finance in Kosovo (AfK) is a Non-Bank Financial Institution, previously registered as a program within Mercy Corps Kosovo and re-registered in February 2002 as a Kosovar non-governmental organization. AfK's mission is to improve living conditions in Kosovo by providing access to sustainable financial services for small and micro enterprises. The agency is now financially self-sustaining and accessing commercial lending funds.