Surviving the COVID-19 Threat: Funding Innovations for Smallholder Farmers & MSMEs

Smallholder farmers and MSMEs in the Niger Delta encounter difficulty getting funds from financial institutions because of several factors. These factors include inappropriate financial products for the agricultural value chains; perceived low productivity and competitiveness in financing the sectors; and the perceived risk associated with agricultural financing.

PIND’s approach to improving access to funds for smallholder farmers and MSMEs entails developing new, inclusive financial models built around the peculiarities of the agricultural and agro-allied sectors. To qualify for the funds and loans from commercial banks, MFBs, and equity investors, we encouraged a crop of BSPs (business service providers) to support smallholder farmers and MSMEs.

Surviving the COVID-19 Threat: Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises) (MSMEs)

Our business linkages project assists micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region to become more competitive, productive, and diversified in their markets. They will reap higher income (through increased sales and profits) and create new jobs for people (through access to quality business support services, markets, and funding).

Surviving the COVID-19 Threat: Cocoa Sector

Our cocoa-value-chain project helps cocoa farmers and processors increase their production quality and quantity, their sales and income, and the number of new jobs in the sector. These farmers and processors accomplish this through good cocoa agricultural practices, access to extension services, improved technologies, quality seedlings, and enhanced market relationships.

PIND 2021 Q1 Progress Report

This report highlights the achievements of PIND’s program interventions in the Niger Delta from January – March 2021 (Quarter 1 of 2021). It also provides relevant information about program management, lessons learned, and plans for the next quarter. The report demonstrates that the program interventions are on course to meeting their targets for the year…