Increased investments in agri-food systems are critical to realising the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement. This requires coordinated actions across a range of policy areas and vast investments, both from public and private financiers. Yet, in developing countries, and particularly in Africa, many farmers, processors and other actors struggle to access the financial resources needed to invest in their agri-food systems.

This briefing note presents a five-step methodology to stimulate sustainable investments in agri-food systems, which was developed by ECDPM in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It also outlines six lessons learned from its application, in collaboration with local governments, farmers, processors and financial intermediaries, in four African countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya and Niger.

This methodology can be used at the country level to support governments and the private sector to invest in agri-food value chains, contributing to achieving better sustainability outcomes and strengthening resilience to shocks. The lessons learned through the application of the methodology at the country level can also inform international processes aimed at scaling up the quantity and quality of public and private finance in food systems.

Please read the full report here.