The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices and Wavemaker Impact, supported by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance, developed a study with the following objectives:
- To illustrate the investment opportunity for agriculture in Southeast Asia
- To outline the intricate interplay of both social and environmental issues faced by the smallholder farmers in the region
- To highlight innovations and practices crucial to achieving a sustainable and equitable food system
- To elaborate on the role of catalytic capital in financing sustainable change for the agricultural sector
- To call for collective action to support the transition toward sustainable agriculture and build up smallholder farmer resilience
This study draws on insights from over 30 interviews across different stakeholder types, such as impact investors and philanthropic organisations, solution providers, development programme owners and regional and international organisations. Finally, the study lays out three modalities through which diverse stakeholders can partner together to unlock financing for smallholder farmers. These include participation in blended finance projects, support for market-oriented programmes, and investments in data-driven research.
We intend to deepen our understanding around sustainable agriculture and smallholder farmers and invite all stakeholders to engage with us to share your insights, or to create solutions together.