Fintech innovation for smallholder agriculture

Fintech innovation for smallholder agriculture PDF Author: Benni, N.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN: 9251384746
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
The study is a result of the growing interest on the part of FAO on the analysis and use of financial technology (fintech) applications as effective enablers of financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, as well as that of other financially underserved actors active in the agricultural value chains of developing and emerging countries. Many of these countries have witnessed, in recent years, an exponential rise in the number and variety of fintech start-ups focused on the agriculture sector, which have emerged with the specific intent of seizing the enormous clientele segment composed of small-scale rural actors whose financial needs are not adequately serviced by traditional financial institutions, such as commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and financial cooperatives The objective of this publication is to analyse and illustrate some of the most interesting business models and innovations brought forward by fintech companies that have sought to address the common financing constraints associated to small-scale agriculture all around the world, showcasing in particular the challenges they have faced to become profitable and sustainable, the solutions they have found to overcome such challenges, the positive developmental externalities that they have generated through their activity, and the possible lessons that can be drawn from their experience which can inform further replications or adaptations of their specific model in other contexts.

Fintech innovation for smallholder agriculture

Fintech innovation for smallholder agriculture PDF Author: Benni, N.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN: 9251384746
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 80

Get Book Here

Book Description
The study is a result of the growing interest on the part of FAO on the analysis and use of financial technology (fintech) applications as effective enablers of financial inclusion for smallholder farmers, as well as that of other financially underserved actors active in the agricultural value chains of developing and emerging countries. Many of these countries have witnessed, in recent years, an exponential rise in the number and variety of fintech start-ups focused on the agriculture sector, which have emerged with the specific intent of seizing the enormous clientele segment composed of small-scale rural actors whose financial needs are not adequately serviced by traditional financial institutions, such as commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and financial cooperatives The objective of this publication is to analyse and illustrate some of the most interesting business models and innovations brought forward by fintech companies that have sought to address the common financing constraints associated to small-scale agriculture all around the world, showcasing in particular the challenges they have faced to become profitable and sustainable, the solutions they have found to overcome such challenges, the positive developmental externalities that they have generated through their activity, and the possible lessons that can be drawn from their experience which can inform further replications or adaptations of their specific model in other contexts.

Innovations in Rural and Agriculture Finance

Innovations in Rural and Agriculture Finance PDF Author: Renate Kloeppinger-Todd
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN: 0896296687
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 34

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Book Description
Everywhere in the world, small agricultural producers are entrepreneurs, traders, investors, and consumers, all rolled into one. In all these roles, small agricultural households constantly seek to use available financial instruments to improve their productivity and secure the best possible consumption and investment choices for their families. But the package of financial services available to small farmers in developing countries is severely limited, especially for those living in remote areas with no access to basic market infrastructure.

FinTech in Sub-Saharan African Countries

FinTech in Sub-Saharan African Countries PDF Author: Mr.Amadou N Sy
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1484385667
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 61

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Book Description
FinTech is a major force shaping the structure of the financial industry in sub-Saharan Africa. New technologies are being developed and implemented in sub-Saharan Africa with the potential to change the competitive landscape in the financial industry. While it raises concerns on the emergence of vulnerabilities, FinTech challenges traditional structures and creates efficiency gains by opening up the financial services value chain. Today, FinTech is emerging as a technological enabler in the region, improving financial inclusion and serving as a catalyst for the emergence of innovations in other sectors, such as agriculture and infrastructure.

New Directions for Smallholder Agriculture

New Directions for Smallholder Agriculture PDF Author: Peter B. R. Hazell
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191003565
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 641

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Book Description
The majority of the poor and hungry people in the world live on small farms and struggle to subsist on too little land with low input - low yield technologies. At the same time, many other smallholders are successfully intensifying and succeeding as farm businesses, often in combination with diversification into off-farm sources of income. This book examines the growing divergence between subsistence and business oriented small farms, and discusses how this divergence has been impacted by population growth, trends in farm size distribution, urbanization, off-farm income diversification, and the globalization of agricultural value chains. It finds that policy makers need to differentiate more sharply between different types of small farms than they did in the past, both in terms of their potential contributions towards achieving national economic growth, poverty alleviation, and food security goals, and the types of assistance they need. The book distinguishes between smallholders that are business oriented, subsistence oriented, and at various stages of transition to the non-farm economy, and discusses strategies appropriate for assisting each type. The book draws on a wealth of recent experience at IFAD and elsewhere to help identify best practice approaches.

Agricultural Finance for Smallholder Farmers

Agricultural Finance for Smallholder Farmers PDF Author: Daniela Roettger
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 3838267850
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 153

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Book Description
Even though traditional microfinance has successfully paved the way for offering financial services to low-income populations without traditional collateral, many microfinance institutions (MFIs) are still reluctant to move into rural areas and agricultural finance, due to the perceived high risks and costs.Daniela Röttger's research demonstrates how MFIs can mitigate risks and costs of lending to smallholder farmers by using a combination of proven traditional microfinance mechanisms while adapting specific loan features and lending mechanisms to the particularities of smallholder agriculture. She systematically compares traditional microfinance risk management mechanisms with agricultural microfinance approaches and identifies successful strategies. For this purpose, eight MFIs providing agricultural finance to smallholder farmers in four countries in East and West Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Benin, Cameroon) were interviewed and their loan features and agricultural lending mechanism were analyzed.The study shows that MFIs can successfully serve smallholder farmers in rural areas. However, the extent of adaptations is reason enough not to commit to such an endeavor lightly. A strong commitment combined with sound in-house knowledge of agricultural value chains and the flexibility to adapt loan terms and lending procedures to the particularities of agriculture are needed to successfully develop and sustain agricultural microfinance.

Are smallholder farmers credit constrained? Evidence on demand and supply constraints of credit in Ethiopia and Tanzania

Are smallholder farmers credit constrained? Evidence on demand and supply constraints of credit in Ethiopia and Tanzania PDF Author: Balana, Bedru
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN:
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 28

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Book Description
Credit constraint is considered by many as one of the key barriers to adoption of modern agricultural technologies, such as chemical fertilizer, improved seeds, and irrigation technologies, among smallholders. Past research and much policy discourse associates agricultural credit constraints with supply-side factors, such as limited access to credit sources or high costs of borrowing. However, demand-side factors, such as risk-aversion and financial illiteracy among borrowers, as well as high transaction costs, can also play important roles in credit-rationing for smallholders. Using primary survey data from Ethiopia and Tanzania, this study examines the nature of credit constraints facing smallholders and the factors that affect credit constraints. In addition, we assess whether credit constraints are gender-differentiated. Results show that demand-side credit constraints are at least as important as supply-side factors in both countries. Women are more likely to be credit constrained (from both the supply and demand sides) than men. Based on these findings, we suggest that policies should focus on addressing both supply- and demand-side credit constraints, including through targeted interventions to reduce risk, such as crop insurance and gender-sensitive policies to improve women’s access to credit.

Agricultural value chain finance in Indonesia

Agricultural value chain finance in Indonesia PDF Author: de Brauw, Alan
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
ISBN:
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 111

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Book Description
Smallholder farmers in developing countries face substantial constraints that limit their ability to reach their production potential. Two constraints—risk exposure and limited access to liquidity—pose particular challenges. Smallholders face a wide variety of risks that constrain both the choices they can make and their willingness to make investments. Limited availability of affordable credit, borrowing and saving products poorly aligned with the needs of the agriculture sector, and prohibitive borrowing eligibility requirements all impede farmers’ access to the liquidity necessary for investing in new, more profitable crops and technologies (International Finance Corporation, 2014). Observers have noted that a large share of long-term credit needs is not being met in Southeast Asia, despite its location near some of the world’s largest consumer markets (Shakhovskoy & Wendle, 2013). While existing financial services may be suitable for some farmers, access to finance is particularly inadequate among women, low-income groups, and ethnic minorities, and risk excluding the most vulnerable groups from these emerging economic opportunities.

Smart Technologies for Sustainable Smallholder Agriculture

Smart Technologies for Sustainable Smallholder Agriculture PDF Author: David Chikoye
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128105224
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description
Smart Technologies for Sustainable Smallholder Agriculture: Upscaling in Developing Countries defines integrated climate smart agricultural technologies (ICSAT) as a suite of interconnected techniques and practices that enhance quantity and quality of agricultural products with minimum impact on the environment. These ICSAT are centered on three main pillars, increased production and income, adaptation and resilience to climate change, and minimizing GHG emissions. This book brings together technologies contributing to the three pillars, explains the context in which they can be scaled up, and identifies research and development gaps as areas requiring further investigation. It stresses the urgency in critically analyzing and recommending ICSAT and scaling out the efforts of both developing and disseminating these in an integrated manner. The book discusses, synthesizes, and offers alternative solutions to agriculture production systems and socio-economic development. It brings together biophysical and socioeconomic disciplines in evaluating suitable ICSAT in an effort to help reduce poverty and food insecurity. Highlights the research gaps and opportunities on climate smart agricultural technologies and institutional arrangements Provides information on institutional engagements that are inclusive of value chain actors that support partnerships and the development of interactive platforms Elaborates some of the effects of climate extremes on production and socioeconomic development on small farms whose impact has potentially large impact

 PDF Author:
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN: 9251388822
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 286

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Book Description


Scaling up inclusive innovations in agrifood chains in Asia and the Pacific

Scaling up inclusive innovations in agrifood chains in Asia and the Pacific PDF Author: Gálvez, E.
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.
ISBN: 9251356297
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
The publication looks at innovations happening at all stages of the food value chain: from production to manufacturing and retailing. This also includes the extended value chain, for example input supply, financial services and agribusiness support services. Yields are improving and primary production is becoming more resilient as a result of digital technologies such as precision agriculture, agricultural drones, and digital farming services and marketplaces; and novel business models such as plant factories, crowdsourcing for farmers. Data and robotics help lift productivity and food safety in the manufacturing process. Online grocery commerce and food delivery services are revolutionizing the way consumers purchase food. Distributed ledger technology, such as blockchain, allows making payments and tracing back food products along the chain in order to increase transparency and trust. New business models are springing up to shorten the chain by removing or shifting stages and to make it fairer and greener, stimulated by enabling technologies and changing customer behaviours. Innovations such as these are discussed and illustrated by almost 200 practical examples from 21 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, across various types of firms and commodities. By observing emerging trends and providing concrete examples, the book discusses the nature of these innovations, how they are affecting food systems and value chains, positively or negatively, and how to deal with trade-offs. It concludes with a reflection on the impacts of these innovations, the policy solutions identified, and lessons learned to future-proof the region’s food systems, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.