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.
