British International Investment (BII) and Dutch development bank FMO are joining forces to support the expansion of the Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) technical assistance facility, which is funded by the UK International Development program. Each organization will contribute $3 million over the 2024-2026 period, alongside the UK Government, with the goal of extending the facility’s reach for at least five more years.
The CASA facility plays a crucial role in addressing the financial challenges that agribusinesses in developing countries face. By focusing on sustainable and inclusive agribusinesses, the facility aims to help transform the global agricultural system, creating a positive impact on both people and the environment.
Inclusive agribusinesses are key drivers of demand for smallholder farmers’ produce, helping these farmers enhance the quality and quantity of their yields. Additionally, agribusinesses generate jobs across the agricultural value chain, including processing, logistics, and sales, while boosting access to nutritious food in underserved regions.
Despite this potential, agribusinesses often struggle to secure the financing they need to grow. In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, there is a staggering $74 billion finance gap in agribusiness, representing about 84% of the demand. Furthermore, many agribusinesses require specialized support to create strategies that promote smallholder inclusion and climate resilience.
The newly expanded CASA Plus facility will provide this essential support by building on existing investments, uncovering new investment opportunities, and addressing barriers to green and inclusive agribusiness growth.
The first phase of CASA, managed by global non-profit TechnoServe, has already yielded significant results. The program, funded by UK International Development, has worked with impact investors to identify agribusinesses that can benefit from tailored assistance to improve their inclusivity and climate resilience. To date, CASA has supported 40 agribusinesses, benefiting around 116,000 smallholder farmers by providing services that have increased their incomes and climate adaptability.
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