Support to the Agricultural Financial System

This project supports the agricultural financial system in Colombia. It provides technical assistance to 37 financial institutions in order to make insurance and credit available to 50 000 small farmers particularly in areas affected by armed conflict. It also provides financial management training for 5 000 farmers with a focus on women. The project helps Colombian agricultural finance institutions (Banco Agrario FINAGRO and the Federation of Savings and Credit Unions) develop credit and insurance products that better respond to farmer’s needs. This helps farmers invest in better technology and manage risks. The project has the potential to transform small farms in Colombia into viable and competitive rural businesses. It is implemented by Développement international Desjardins (DID) et Financière agricole du Québec — Développement international (FADQDI).

The expected results for this project include: (1) 35% increase in loans to small and medium-scale farmers; (2) 30% increase in agricultural insurance coverage to small and medium-scale farmers; (3) Increased availability of micro-credit in 20 conflict-affected municipalities with 50% of loans going to women; (4) Improved capacity of at least 5 000 farmers to manage agricultural businesses including 3 000 women.