AgDevCo

AgDevCo is pleased to announce a further investment of US$2.3m into SFEL. 

Agribusinesses can realise their full potential by creating new opportunities for women. This compact flyer highlights the gender business case for agribusinesses. 

In this report, we share research-based insights and practical findings from our gender research for the benefit of the wider investment community, including investors who are interested in ESG issues in general, as well as those operating in the agriculture sector of sub-Saharan Africa.

Case study demonstrating a successful cooperative model in Malawi.

Phata successfully paid back its development loan, two years early. An achievement in its own right – especially for a newly formed co-operative – this was more impressive given that southern Malawi has been hit hard by drought, floods and power shortages in recent years.

Northern Zambia has scant formal infrastructure and employment, and is highly dependent on rain-fed agriculture, despite being naturally rich in water. Until now, Zambia has also been 100% reliant on imported seed potatoes, an economically important food crop.

Along with success comes challenges. Traditionally perceived as a ‘women’s crop’, groundnuts were predominantly grown for home consumption and rarely attracted male farmers in Zambia.

Inspired by the success of another AgDevCo investment, and following a $3.9 million debt and equity investment from AgDevCo, Westfalia Fruto established a commercial avocado plantation in central Mozambique, becoming the country’s first large-scale avocado exporter.

AgDevCo’s initial $6.3 million investment in this flagship project in Ghana is expected to catalyse millions of dollars of private investment to help make the Babator irrigation scheme the country’s largest irrigated food hub. 

Investment in a sophisticated cold chain has moved EA fruits in Tanzania one step closer towards realising its longer-term aim of working with supermarkets and larger retailers. The business can now meet the requirements for the consistent quality and quantity of produce associated with formal supply contracts.  

Through ECA in central Mozambique, thousands of smallholder farmers have been connected to commercial buyers, who offer stable pricing and volumes in return for improved grain quality and service. The ECA model has proved its commercial worth and potential to be replicated elsewhere.

Read how AgDevCo's SDU showcases best practices to promote women’s economic empowerment in outgrower schemes.