Southern Africa 

Since 1996, we have built commercially viable agricultural systems across Southern Africa—pioneering private sector-led models that outlast donor funding. Our work has followed a consistent regional philosophy: economic growth is stronger when farmers, entrepreneurs, and local institutions have the skills, technologies, and partnerships to compete, adapt, and thrive. 

Finance and Investment

We advance innovative financing mechanisms across Southern Africa to unlock capital for rural enterprises and expand commercial credit systems. These tools—including credit guarantees, matching grants, enterprise finance training, and financial inclusion models—have helped smallholders and agribusinesses overcome persistent barriers to credit.

  • $1.2M in credit catalyzed in a single season through expanded guarantee facility (Zimbabwe)
  • $9.3M increase in net annual income for one cooperative after securing $190K loan (Angola)
  • $580K in enterprise sales leveraged from $35K in guarantees (Malawi)
  • $170K in co-investments for capital upgrades and market expansion (Zambia)

Input Supply and Distribution

We pioneered a commercially driven agrodealer model in Southern Africa that professionalized rural retailers and connected them to supplier credit. In Zimbabwe, 400+ trained agrodealers achieved near-zero default rates, unlocking new supplier accounts and expanding input flows to remote communities. We scaled this model across Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia—and established local agrodealer associations like RUMARK and AGMARK to sustain it independently.

  • 400+ agrodealers trained and certified with only a single default against credit guarantee (Zimbabwe)
  • RUMARK (Malawi) and AGMARK (Zimbabwe) established as self-sustaining local institutions
  • Model scaled across Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia

Enterprise Capacity Development

We strengthen agricultural enterprises—cooperatives, farmer associations, and agribusinesses—to operate as competitive, commercially viable businesses. These organizations have proven capable of driving local economic growth that outlasts our programs.

  • 17 tons of high-grade vanilla produced for premium buyers (Madagascar)
  • Major offtake contract secured, outgrower network tripled (Zambia)
  • 47% increase in production volume, $23K net income gain, $29K gross sales increase from 14 technical recommendations implemented (Malawi)

Agricultural Productivity and Processing

We increase agricultural productivity and processing capacity by connecting farmers to improved technologies, practical training, and commercial buyers. Across the region, our support has helped smallholders adopt higher-yielding practices and transition toward more commercial production.

  • $12M increase in sales and $3M increase in net income across oilseed enterprises over 5 years (Mozambique)
  • 2,000+ hectares under improved production—10x the original target (Mozambique)
  • Increased annual production of oyster mushrooms by 180% (Malawi)
  • Honey production quintupled (Madagascar)

Food Security and Nutrition

We improve food processing quality and shelf life to expand market potential for agricultural products. Alongside farmer training with household nutrition messaging, our approaches improve dietary diversity, promote safe food preparation, and help strengthen child feeding practices.

  • Distribution of CSB+ and fortified vegetable oil sourced from US farmers and food processors (Zimbabwe)
  • Soymilk shelf life extended 7x—reducing spoilage and expanding market reach (Malawi)
  • Increased household consumption of vegetables, legumes, and small livestock (Zambia)