Small and medium-sized enterprises in agriculture and small-scale farmers often struggle to access the appropriate capital they need for their businesses to thrive. They operate in a fragmented financial landscape, where SMEs, the institutions that finance them and other actors that can help them flourish do not effectively communicate or coordinate efforts with each other. The Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN) builds bridges between these different actors. SAFIN is hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
External link for Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN)
According to the State of the Sector 2022 report by SAFIN members CABI and ISF Advisors , some financiers are providing the bulk of much needed capital for #SMEsinagriculture in Africa and Southeast Asia. Who rules the roost in your opinion?
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🚜 Catch up on the latest in #agriculturalfinance today! 🌱 AgDevCo launches a new investment strategy with funding from Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invests in Rwanda, and other big moves from Oikocredit,and Loxworth Capital. Read more sector news: https://lnkd.in/dZGSx5GE
Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN) reposted this
For those living in low and middle-income countries, meaningful employment offers income, stability and a route out of poverty. This is why it is important to support the development of small and medium-sized businesses through learning and financial advice. Our report, “Ten Years of Impact”, showcases what we achieved together with partners in Africa and Latin America. Explore the report here: https://lnkd.in/dnN7atFw
🕊️This year's #PeaceDay reminded us that peace is not only the absence of conflict, but a vital ingredient for growth and prosperity. During conflicts, farmers and #SMEsinagriculture face higher operating costs, rising interest rates, and dwindling profits. Put together, these factors can severely impact their access to finance. Read about how agribusinesses like Plug'n'Grow, Parkea Ventures, Taru Naturals and their financiers faced these challenges head-on during the outbreak of war in Ukraine: https://lnkd.in/dZNt339D
🌽💰 In collaboration with OECD - OCDE and Inter-American Development Bank, we explored how #blendedfinance can address some of the challenges that financial institutions face in agricultural lending. 📝These case studies show how it can be used to reduce risk for financial institutions. 1. Increasing the profit potential for farmers in Kenya featuring AGRA, Agricultural Finance Corporation, Barclays and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). https://lnkd.in/d_xUTk2e 2. Providing fertile ground for lending in the Philippines featuring CARD SME Bank and IFC - International Finance Corporation. https://lnkd.in/dqbxXqcz 3. Scaling impact through guarantees in Tanzania featuring Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Swedish International Development Cooperation. https://lnkd.in/dUpYgQud
💡 New opportunities from our across our network today! 1. AgDevCo is hiring an Investment Director to lead its new AgDevCo Ventures investment strategy with an initial $50m earmarked funds to invest in early stage agri-SMEs in East Africa (including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania). ➡ https://lnkd.in/djXqEeBV 2. ADA asbl is hiring an Agricultural Value Chain Finance Programme Manager. The role involves managing and developing programmes that provide financial solutions, technical assistance, and investments to help smallholder farmers secure long-term economic resources across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. ➡ https://lnkd.in/dtaV2cAe 3. GAWA Capital is hiring a Regional Manager to drive impactful investments across Latin America, focusing on microfinance and financial institutions. ➡ https://lnkd.in/dDD3Kynp 4. Clarmondial AG is recruiting for an Investment Partner to support in investment monitoring, reporting, market scoping and performing transaction due dilligence. ➡ https://lnkd.in/dqyiUZek 5. ISF Advisors is hiring a Manager with experience in commercial banking, investment banking, and/or private equity/debt in Sub-Saharan Africa. This position is attached to the Advancing Food Fortification Opportunities to Reinforce Diets program, sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID AFFORD. ➡ https://lnkd.in/eR3fGjiW 6. Palladium: Make It Possible Inclusive Growth and Natural Capital (IGNC) Practice is seeking an outstanding agribusiness systems professional to join us as Senior Manager. The person would specifically lead Palladium’s delivery of a new project under its Green Commodities sub-portfolio. ➡ https://lnkd.in/dyMntv6A ✅ Follow us for regular updates and opportunities in the agricultural finance sector.
🌿 Explore our current reading list of publications covering #agriculturalfinance this week. 1) Insight published by British International Investment, this report explores the challenges of funding SME agribusinesses in West Africa, highlighting opportunities in gender- and climate-smart finance. With 82 million jobs tied to agriculture, these businesses are crucial for poverty reduction and inclusive growth. 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dfXiyFf5 2) Sub-Saharan Africa faces high climate vulnerability, and green inclusive finance is crucial for resilience. This study by Oxfam Novib Fund stresses the need for stronger green finance policies, especially for microfinance. 👉 Click here to read the report: https://lnkd.in/ekGAQ7w8 3) 🌍 This report by The Rockefeller Foundation Foundation, Transformational Investing in Food Systems and Pollination highlights that shifting to regenerative agriculture could unlock $4.5 trillion in new investments and save $5.7 trillion in damages. Agrifood systems currently contribute over a third of global GHG emissions, with hidden costs nearing $20 trillion annually. Investors must rebalance risks and returns by integrating sustainability into their strategies. 👉 Read more insights here: https://lnkd.in/ebyf7HYP 4) The report reveals crucial financing strategies to combat hunger and food insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean. FAO, World Food Programme, ECLAC Caribbean, and Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA) highlight underdeveloped financial solutions, emphasize optimising public budgets and agricultural spending, and stress the importance of firm macroeconomic policies in the region. This report underscores the need for international collaboration to maximize development funds. 👉 Learn more in the report: https://lnkd.in/dk97uCN9 5) The benefits of digital platforms for financial services aren't always guaranteed to reach women, rural communities, and low-income groups. This report from Caribou Digital and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation explores the intersection of digital platforms, poverty, and gender, and highlights how platform economies can be more inclusive and empowering. 👉 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eJH-QqYy Visit our knowledge hub for more: https://lnkd.in/eVv57xEi
📣 We are excited to introduce Intellecap to our network! Intellecap, part of the Aavishkaar Group, is a social impact advisory firm that has facilitated over US$2 billion in investment in sustainable development. Its focus is on agriculture, food security, and climate-smart practices. Every year, its Sankalp Forum connects entrepreneurs with capital providers and support organizations. 📑 Learn more about their work 👉 https://lnkd.in/du2nPgjm
Our members gathered at the SAFIN Africa Members Convening this week in Kigali at the Africa Food Systems Forum to discuss all things #agriculturalfinance in Sub-Saharan Africa, from digital innovations to climate solutions and systemic challenges. Thanks to our insightful speakers Michael von During, Brenda Mulele Gunde, Sanne Steemers, Hedwig Siewertsen, and Conrado Garcia Madrid for leading these discussions! Looking forward to exchanging more insights at our Regional convening in Latin America later this year!
As the AFS Forum kicks off, explore our list of must-see sessions if you work in #agriculturalfinance. CEO Chat – Financing Date: 3 September, 2024 Time: 16:30 – 17:30 Join top CEOs to explore sustainable financing, impact investing, and fintech's role in transforming ag ecosystems. A must-attend for those driving change through financial innovation. Deal Room Launch Date: 3 September, 2024 Time: 11:15 – 13:00 This session facilitates new business deals in agriculture, offering MSMEs and governments access to finance. Includes investor networking and a panel on agri-finance challenges and opportunities. Investing in Food Systems & the Sports Industry: You Are What You Eat Date: 4 September, 2024 Time: 11:15 – 13:00 Explore how food systems, sports, and nutrition connect. This session highlights investment in nutrition-driven food systems, boosting athletic performance, public health, and societal well-being. Gender & Climate Nexus in Food Systems Financing Date: 4 September, 2024 Time: 11:15 – 13:00 This session explores gender, climate change, and financial decisions in agriculture, focusing on gender-responsive budgeting, climate-smart practices, and financial products for women farmers. Private sector plenary: Food Systems – The Bigger Picture 5 September, 2024 Time: 9:00 – 11:00 Senior executives discuss the private sector's role in global food systems, focusing on CSR for sustainable impact, supply chain challenges, and public-private partnerships for food security. Harnessing Climate Finance for Food Systems Date: 5 September, 2024 Time: 11:15 – 13:00 Explore strategies for mobilizing climate finance in agriculture, including global funding, green bonds, and innovative tools to boost sustainability and productivity. Regional Members Convening: Sub-Saharan Africa by SAFIN Day 1: 1:30pm – 5:30pm September 3, 2024 Day 2: 9:00 am to 12:30pm September 4, 2024 Location: Lemigo Hotel Agenda details here: https://lnkd.in/dXxTxqxe Join this side event with SAFIN members from Sub-Saharan Africa to discuss regional agri-finance challenges, opportunities, and strategies for boosting investments in sustainable farming. Click here to learn more about the different sessions: https://lnkd.in/d46X36Yj