Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN)

Financing and investment alone are insufficient to transform agrifood systems. It is critical to direct finance to agrifood systems and ensure that it effectively reaches agricultural communities. According to the FAO, the transformation of agrifood systems holds solutions for the climate crisis. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/d8hZeZra

🌱 Addressing climate change in agriculture requires large-scale investments—far beyond what concessional sources alone can provide. #Blendedfinance de-risks investments and attracts private sector players who might not otherwise invest.🚀 But blending does more than reduce risk. It helps develop strong investment pipelines and promotes green agri-SME business models, paving the way for Climate Funds to drive sustainable growth in agriculture. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eB7YT6jt

Webinar on Innovative Incentive Models for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises, organised by: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) ALIDE Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN) This webinar will explore innovative incentive models for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MIPYMES) in various agricultural sectors of Latin America and Eastern Africa. By analyzing these models, we aim to provide valuable insights for public interest banks in Latin America regarding the challenges and opportunities in attracting micro-MIPYMES through similar regional incentives. Event Details: Date: 21 February, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM EST Venue: Zoom Register here: https://lnkd.in/dYjzVy3b.

Investing in food system transformation is not a selfless act. It is an investment in the future prosperity of individual companies and business sectors. Half of global GDP is dependent on nature to some extent. #Agrifinance

The webinar organised by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), ALIDE and the Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN) will explore innovative incentive models for micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MIPYMES) in different agricultural sectors of Latin America and Eastern Africa. Through the analysis of these models, we offer key perspectives for public interest banks in Latin America on the despair and opportunities to attract micro-MIPYMES with similar incentives in the region. Date: 22nd February Time: 10:00 am EST Venue: Zoom Register here: https://lnkd.in/dK-BJJur

Check out these #agrifinance publications for insightful perspectives. 1. The "Seeding the Future" report by Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) calls for transforming smallholder farming in Southeast Asia to meet rising food demand, tackle climate change, and boost farmer livelihoods. It highlights challenges like land fragmentation and financial barriers while advocating for scalable solutions, innovative financing, and partnerships. https://lnkd.in/dxvZKncT 2. The Food Systems Countdown Report 2024 put together by FAO, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), CornelCALs and Columbia Climate School, tracks global progress toward transforming food systems for better health, sustainability, and resilience. It analyses trends across 50 key indicators, highlighting improvements in areas like access to safe water and efficient food production while flagging challenges such as rising food insecurity and price volatility. https://lnkd.in/d6mji2dM 3. The OECD - OCDE-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2032 provides a ten-year forecast on global agriculture and fish markets, highlighting trends in food demand, production, trade, and price trends. A collaborative effort of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the FAO addresses rising input costs, food security risks, and the need for sustainable practices amid economic and climate uncertainties. The report is a key resource for policymakers and industry leaders, offering data-driven insights to guide strategic decisions for a more resilient global food system.
 https://lnkd.in/d6mji2dM 4. The G20 GPFI Action Plan for MSME Financing, prepared by The World Bank Group, IFC - International Finance Corporation, and the OECD - OCDE; and the SME Finance Forum, Managed by the IFC (International Finance Corporation) under the leadership of the G20 Brazil Presidency, aims to bridge the global MSME financing gap, which stands at 19% of GDP in emerging markets. It promotes a strong enabling environment by diversifying funding sources, leveraging fintech, and improving credit systems. The plan also strengthens consumer protection, insolvency frameworks, and cross-agency coordination to ensure sustainable financial support. https://lnkd.in/d3Dd8ZQJ Visit our knowledge hub for more 👇 https://lnkd.in/eVv57xEi

To create a food system that works for people and the planet, we must rethink how, where, and by whom money is invested. This cuts across the food value chain: from the way soil health is valued to the way ingredients are processed, packaged, and distributed. SRI in the food sector could mean supporting blended finance models that de-risk early investments and enable the uptake of solutions by actors across the food system.

Introducing SAFIN (Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network) to our new followers. Agri-SMEs power 90% of the agri-food sector, yet many struggle to access the financing they need to scale. With a $100B finance gap in Sub-Saharan Africa alone, the question is: Who funds the journey from farm to table? SAFIN is bridging this gap—connecting banks, impact investors, and agribusinesses to unlock finance for small and medium agri-entrepreneurs. From Nigeria to Colombia, SAFIN drives solutions that make food systems more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. More about how SAFIN is transforming #agriSME finance. https://lnkd.in/d_TTuVvS

🌱 Explore new developments in #agriculturalfinance in our latest roundup, including a groundbreaking partnership between the World Food Programme, the Government of Malawi, and The World Bank to combat food insecurity, Civil society network teaming up with AGRA to drive change in Malawi’s Seed System and new investments by EDFI Management Company, IFC - International Finance Corporation, BNI Madagascar, and African Development Bank Group.

New Opportunities across the agri-finance sector   1.  Aceli Africa is hiring for the position of Associate Product to support the product team in driving Aceli’s mission by designing and managing product incentives to unlock private-sector lending to agricultural SMEs. 
The associate will be directly involved in Aceli’s annual benchmarking and audit processes, incentive budgeting, and the development of web-based dashboards.   ➡ https://lnkd.in/dy4R9-TJ     2. AgriFrontier seeks a Group Managing Director with proven leadership experience in international operations, preferably within the floriculture or horticulture industries. The role entails overseeing the daily operations of the entire group, focusing on achieving operational excellence and aligning teams across regions.   ➡ https://lnkd.in/dbQvDSxc   3. MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates) seeks a finance manager to manage its Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund. The role includes working closely to ensure standardisation, transparency and accountability in the Fund’s financial procedures, processes and reporting. ➡ https://lnkd.in/e6WuA7Nw   4. APRACA Secretariat is hiring for the position of Project Manager for its Inclusive Climate Finance for Communities in Asia-Pacific (ICCAP) project. The role involves Policy Stakeholder Mapping, Engagement Strategy, Advocacy Strategy, and overall project management and reporting requirements. ➡ https://lnkd.in/ddFXhunv 5. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)) seeks a qualified candidate to serve as an Associate Research Fellow.  The ideal candidate will have a strong background in applied economics and be interested in contributing to evidence on policies that will help drive inclusive economic growth for farmers, traders and firms along food value chains and build resilience to shocks. ➡ https://lnkd.in/dMvcJ235 ✅ Follow us for regular updates and opportunities in the agricultural finance sector.