WWhat does it take to lead a technology-forward nonprofit rooted in community impact? On the latest episode of NGO Soul + Strategy, Cadasta CEO Amy Coughenour Betancourt joins podcast host and Cadasta Board Member Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on innovation, allyship, and navigating uncertainty.
At a time when more than one billion people lack formal rights to their land, Cadasta is filling a critical gap. As Amy puts it, “Land and property rights are really foundational to peaceful and prosperous societies.” Through the integration of geospatial technology, training, and ongoing support, Cadasta helps communities and governments secure their rights at scale.
This podcast episode explores three timely themes shaping Cadasta’s leadership, strategy, and vision:
1. The Risks and Rewards of Being a Tech-Enabled Organization
As a leader of a global nonprofit that deploys geospatial technology for land and resource rights, Amy speaks openly about the promise and limitations of technology in global development.
“Technology can make the work faster, more efficient, more cost-effective, and it provides the means to scale,” she says. “But technology is never the sole solution to anything. It’s a means to an end.”
Over the years, Cadasta has prioritized and invested heavily in training and technical support to ensure partners can meaningfully use and sustain the tools provided. “It’s always got to be technology plus,” Amy emphasizes. “The real piece is delivering high-quality training and services directly to partners.”
Data ownership and digital sovereignty are also non-negotiable. “We do not own the partners’ data. We do not share it, sell it, or use it without permission,” she affirms. “And at any time, partners can take their data off the platform.”
2. Redefining Allyship with Community Partners
Over the last decade, Cadasta has shifted its approach to deepen partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendent Peoples, and local communities. She explains, “We see them as our peers. They’re experts in their space.”
Cadasta supports partners by co-designing projects, sharing funding, providing training, and absorbing as much of the compliance burden tied to donor requirements as possible. “Our job is to enable the projects, their aspirations, and their plans to secure land tenure rights.”
3. Navigating a Shifting Funding Landscape
In today’s volatile funding climate, Amy reflects on how organizations must remain steady and strategic. “Keeping a cool head is critical. There’s a lot of emotion and anguish, but we have to stay grounded,” Amy says. “There are opportunities here for organizations like ours that can be agile, deliver innovation, and point to clear results. We just didn’t want it to happen like this.”
Cadasta’s experience, reach, and adaptability have positioned it to weather the storm and reimagine what effective, community-centered development can look like.
Looking Ahead
As Cadasta marks its 10th anniversary this year, Amy’s conversation with Tosca offers a meaningful moment of reflection. Born from a need to close persistent data and equity gaps in land administration, the organization has evolved into a trusted partner for communities, governments, and funders alike. In a moment of rising uncertainty and rapidly shifting global priorities, Cadasta’s mission has only grown more urgent.