Somya Banwari

Financial Sector Specialist

Somya's research focuses on how inclusive finance and agricultural technology can help smallholders, cooperatives and agri-SMEs contribute to resilient livelihoods and participate in sustainable and nutritious food systems.

Prior to CGAP, she worked with UN agencies and the U.S. government across West Africa and Southeast Asia, focusing on innovative financing, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships for agricultural development and food security programs. She also brings experience in providing strategic advisory and research support to early-stage agtech enterprises seeking financing.

Somya holds a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. 

By Somya Banwari

Blog

The Missing Link in Food Systems Transformation: Retail Finance

CGAP's new analytical framework proposes ways financial service providers, development finance institutions, donors, and agribusinesses can best promote the type of retail financial innovation needed to close the agtech financing gap.
Research

Enhancing Food Security through Finance-Enabled Food Systems Transformation

This working paper examines how inclusive finance can address today's evolving food security challenges by unlocking targeted investments in high-impact agricultural value chains that best promote nutritional, sustainability, and livelihood outcomes through agricultural technology (AgTech) adoption.