Reaching Small and Marginal Farmers Through Innovative Finance

This series will feature ideas and innovations focused on enabling financial services for agri-dependent households. Practitioners, researchers and thought leaders will explore the role of markets, public and private partnerships, client segmentation, and the creation of an enabling ecosystem that makes markets work for poor farmers

Reaching Small Farmers Through Innovative Finance In Pakistan

19 December 2012
1 comment
Rashid Bajwa
In 2001, NRSP (National Rural Support Program) designed a research project to address the issues of access to finance and advisory services to small sugar cane farmers. The basic idea was to create an “out of box” microfinance model that threads together the small farmer, the MFI and the processor into a high impact value chain with high financial and social returns. The project “Sugarcane Production Enhancement Project” (the SPEP) focused on small poor farmers with a maximum land holding of around three acres, as well as share croppers and farmers who generally rent agriculture land from large land lords.
Topics: 
Market Segmentation
Product Development
Countries: 
Pakistan
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Innovations in Islamic Microfinance for Small Farmers in Sudan

12 December 2012
1 comment
Kashif Naeem
To enable financial inclusion for small farmers, the entire value chain needs to be understood and supported, and financial products have to be designed keeping in mind their unique needs. We at Bank of Khartoum believe that Islamic microfinance products can effectively reach small farmers in Sudan when customized to their needs.
Topics: 
Market Segmentation
Islamic Products
Insurance
Product Development
Countries: 
Middle East and North Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa
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Financial Literacy for Small Farmers in Kenya Via TV

28 November 2012
1 comment
David Campbell
In March of 2012, a new regional television program launched in Kenya which aims to provide information to millions of farmers on how to improve their incomes and livelihoods. Funded by DfID's AECF (the Africa Entrepreneurship Challenge Fund), "Shamba Shape-Up" profiles a farm each week and suggests improvements that demonstrate financial principles and teaches farmers how to grow more food, make more money and build better lives for their families.
Topics: 
Financial Capability
Countries: 
Kenya
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Lessons from India on Weather Insurance for Small Farmers

26 October 2012
Therese Sandmark
With 22 million farms covered by a yield based index, 3 million by a weather index insurance and 340,000 farms covered by an insurance combining the two indices, India is probably today the most innovative and experienced country in agricultural index insurance in the world.
Topics: 
Insurance
Countries: 
India
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What Policies Make Finance Work for Africa’s Smallholder Farmers?

18 October 2012
2 comments
Antonique Koning
In some African countries as much as 80% of the population is employed in the agricultural sector. Even so, these countries need improved productivity and access to financial services to ensure food security and reach their potential. So, what policies can support innovative finance that reaches smallholder farmers?
Topics: 
Policy
Countries: 
Sub-Saharan Africa
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