Smallholder farmers are responsible for producing one-third of the world’s food supply and nearly 80% of the food in low- and middle-income countries. They are also among the most vulnerable populations, as agriculture remains the primary livelihood for millions living in extreme poverty. Opportunity International believes that through targeted financial solutions, training, and support, smallholder farmers can increase their productivity, income, and resilience, ultimately building thriving rural communities. Our goal is clear: help farmers grow more and earn more.

Since 2008, our Agriculture Finance program has been dedicated to providing data-driven, human-centered interventions for this crucial population. To date, we have released over $450 million in capital to sustain the agricultural value chain and empower smallholder farmers—but supporting this critical pillar of the global economy requires a multi-pronged approach.

In an era of political, economic, and environmental instability, the people growing our food worldwide are facing ever-increasing risk. And just like the farmers we support who have had to adapt and evolve their own practices in a changing world, Opportunity has expanded our own interventions to meet the needs of smallholders.

In recent years, Opportunity International’s strategy has evolved into a partner-rich model that expands our portfolio of interventions beyond financial inclusion, collaborating with some of the world’s leading impact financial institutions to design sustainable solutions, offering comprehensive support to smallholder farmers.

From pioneering inclusive finance and small-scale agriculture techniques to adopting artificial intelligence, Opportunity’s commitment to innovation is dedicated to one of the most vital links in the global food supply: smallholder farmers.

Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through Innovation and Support

Farmers need holistic assistance to succeed, and our array of trainings and services helps smallholders develop new practices to adapt to climate change while simultaneously increasing their appeal to a risk-averse financial sector. The foundation of strategy involves our robust network of Farmer Support Agents (FSAs), who deliver critical training and resources directly to farmers in their communities. These local farmers, equipped with smartphones and digital tools, help their peers improve financial literacy, business management, and farming techniques.

With 1,724 FSAs currently active, we’ve connected over 280,000 smallholder farmers to the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. In many countries, ministries of agriculture set up networks of “extension workers” to engage with rural smallholders but often face challenges in reaching communities where they have no real connections. Our FSA network is designed to uplift and support local leaders, giving them the tools to travel to neighboring villages and provide quality information on farming practices, support services, and financial resources.

These efforts reduce risk for financial institutions and attract capital by equipping smallholder farmers with the skills to adapt to changing climates and farming conditions – and with new digital interventions, the network’s ability to meet the needs of rural smallholder farmers is on the cusp of rapid growth.

Read the full article at the Global Washington blog.