Scaling up Agricultural Credit in Africa

Farm finance
This report highlights the gaps between the demand for agriculture financing and the supply provided by public banks, microfinance institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and other financial institutions.
By David Hong and Stephanie Hanson

Providing smallholder farmers with access to credit is essential to unlocking long-term, sustainable gains in farmer productivity and incomes. Without financing, smallholder farmers cannot afford the relatively high upfront costs of quality seed and fertilizer, relying instead on poor quality seed and little to no fertilizer. Without access to credit,
they may be unable to purchase or rent tools that increase efficiency and reduce labor costs. Additionally, they may not be able to afford the training services needed to maximize seed and fertilizer application and general farm management.

Countries

Rwanda