Agribusinesses (value chain actors)

This topic covers the the role of value chain actors (agribusinesses/agro-enterprises) as providers or channels of finance to smallholder farmers, and models/experiences of value chain finance. The FAO broadly defines agricultural value chain financing as any financial services flowing to or through a value chain to address the needs and constraints of those involved in that chain. Common examples include input-supplier finance, off-taker or outgrower finance, and warehouse receipts; and accounts receivable (trade) finance for cooperatives.

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In Senegal, onion is the most consumed vegetable, but annual production does not...

AgDevCo's Guide to Developing Inclusive Outgrower Schemes

Tool:

Do you currently have a smallholder outgrower scheme? Are you wondering how to...

Interrelated Problems and Comprehensive Solutions for Venture Capital in African Agribusiness

Analysis: This paper explores why it’s been difficult to generate VC-level returns in agriculture, and some solutions that show promise.

GSMA Report on E-Commerce in Agriculture

Report: Utilizing e-commerce in agriculture offers several benefits, including improved income for farmers and fresher produce for customers. In developing economies where agriculture is often an outsized contributor to GDP, these benefits could be especially impactful.

Webinar materials: Women's empowerment in smallholder finance, combining social and business goals for good

Tool: Download the materials below, including presentation slides, the webinar recording, to learn how organizations such as AgDevCo and Opportunity International, are integrating both business and social goals to empower women in smallholder finance.

Why Root Capital's talent management program is a win-win for rural businesses and young talent

Spotlight: Each year, more than 10 million young people across Africa enter the job market, competing for just three million formal jobs. As the continent’s youth population swells steadily towards a projected total of 800 million by 2050, this demographic crisis will intensify even further.

Three practical steps agribusinesses can take to help close the gender gap in smallholder outgrower schemes

Spotlight: Women comprise approximately 50% of the labor force in sub-Saharan Africa but are less likely to participate in agribusinesses’ outgrower schemes than men. As a result, women lose out on opportunities for increasing their income and economic empowerment – and agribusinesses miss opportunities for increasing productivity, product quality, and stability in their supply chain.

Enabling environment and smallholder finance: A complex relationship

Analysis: Part 6 of the Pulse series highlights early learnings around the smallholder finance enabling environment and makes recommendations for future research.

The fund manager perspective: Moving the needle on inclusive agribusiness

Analysis: The fifteenth briefing note in a series from the Initiative for Smallholder Finance interrogate how different impact-oriented agribusiness funds combine public and private capital to build a more inclusive agricultural market.

Fund management and inclusive agribusiness: A global perspective

Analysis: Part 3 of ISF's and RAF Learning Lab's Pulse series shares a fund manager's perspective on inclusive agribusiness and fund management.

Investing in smallholder farming: Six outgrower schemes that are getting it right

Report: In Africa, where agricultural production remains far below potential, companies are working with smallholder farmers to raise crop yields, open up new market opportunities, and strengthen rural economies. In a new case study, AgDevCo’s Smallholder Development Unit features six examples of outgrower schemes that are delivering results.