Practical Insights on AgriTech

AgriTech has emerged as an important area of investment for international donors in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) as they look to support sustainable agriculture and food security in these regions.

International donors have recognized the potential of AgriTech to drive innovation, increase productivity, and enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers and rural communities.

A growing number of international donors are investing in AgriTech initiatives across LMICs, with a focus on developing and scaling technology-based solutions that can help to address the challenges facing these communities.

World Bank AgriTech Funding

One major international donor investing in AgriTech is the World Bank. The World Bank has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting the use of technology in agriculture, such as the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Through these initiatives, the World Bank provides funding and technical assistance to AgriTech startups and businesses in LMICs, as well as to governments and other stakeholders working to promote the use of technology in agriculture.

The World Bank also provides support for the development of AgriTech hubs, innovation centers, and other initiatives aimed at promoting the growth of the AgriTech sector in LMICs.

Gates Foundation AgriTech Funding

Another important international donor investing in AgriTech is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation has made a significant commitment to supporting AgriTech initiatives that aim to increase productivity and food security in LMICs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The foundation provides funding and technical assistance to AgriTech startups and businesses, and works with a wide range of partners, including governments, universities, and other organizations, to promote the development and use of technology in agriculture.

USAID AgriTech Funding

In addition to these major international donors, a number of bilateral and multilateral organizations are also investing in AgriTech across LMICs.

For example, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provides funding and technical assistance to AgriTech initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and food security in LMICs.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is another key player in this area, providing funding and technical assistance to AgriTech initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and rural communities in LMICs.

Private Sector AgriTech Investment

International donors are also investing in AgriTech through impact investment funds and venture capital firms. These funds and firms are focused on supporting AgriTech startups and businesses that have the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of smallholder farmers and rural communities in LMICs.

These investments help to provide early-stage financing for AgriTech startups and businesses, and provide a pathway for the growth and scaling of these initiatives.

Digital Agriculture Investments

International donors are playing a critical role in investing in AgriTech across LMICs, with a focus on supporting sustainable agriculture and food security.

The World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and a number of bilateral and multilateral organizations are leading the way in this area, providing funding and technical assistance to AgriTech startups and businesses, as well as to governments and other stakeholders working to promote the use of technology in agriculture.

By working together, these international donors can help to drive innovation, increase productivity, and enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers and rural communities in LMICs.

Apply Now: €2.7 Million West African Digital Agriculture Innovations Grants

Apply Now: €2.7 Million West African Digital Agriculture Innovations Grants

Published on: Jun 21 2021 by Wayan Vota - 11 Comments
West African countries face key climate change challenges, including sustainable use and management of biodiversity, and responsible production and consumption...
Apply Now: $300,000 for USAID Digital Agriculture Ecosystem Assessments

Apply Now: $300,000 for USAID Digital Agriculture Ecosystem Assessments

Published on: May 19 2021 by Wayan Vota - 13 Comments
Digital agriculture solutions for weather-based insurance, pest diagnostic, agronomic advice, and crop monitoring can revolutionize yields and income for smallholder...
Apply Now: €650,000 Africa Startup Funding for Fintech Agritech eHealth

Apply Now: €650,000 Africa Startup Funding for Fintech Agritech eHealth

Published on: Apr 26 2021 by Wayan Vota - 23 Comments
Emerging technology sectors such as Fintech, Agritech, and Digital Health are solving some of Africa’s most pressing problems and contributing significantly to...
How Smallholder Farmers Can Use Soil Map Data for Higher Productivity

How Smallholder Farmers Can Use Soil Map Data for Higher Productivity

Published on: Apr 14 2021 by Guest Writer - 2 Comments
Average cocoa yields in Ghana by smallholder farmers are currently 400 kg/ha, far below their production potential of over 1,500 kg/ha. Dominant factors contributing...
5 Ways to Get Women to Use Your AgriTech Application Innovation

5 Ways to Get Women to Use Your AgriTech Application Innovation

Published on: Mar 11 2021 by Guest Writer - 5 Comments
While being a part of ICTforAg was a great chance to reconnect and learn, it is amazing to me that we need to have conversations about the need to engage female...
11 AgriTech Findings From West African Smallholder Farmers

11 AgriTech Findings From West African Smallholder Farmers

Published on: Feb 03 2021 by Guest Writer - 6 Comments
The public ICT4Ag discussion is often focused on the use of smartphones and sophisticated applications. This often neglects more traditional channels and can unfairly...
Apply Now: $1.5 Million Smart Agriculture Grants from Gates Foundation

Apply Now: $1.5 Million Smart Agriculture Grants from Gates Foundation

Published on: Feb 01 2021 by Wayan Vota - 14 Comments
Smallholder farmers suffer from fundamental challenges to improving their own food security and their communities nutritional resilience. They face low agriculture...
Apply Now: $30,000 Funding for Your Asia AgriTech Solution

Apply Now: $30,000 Funding for Your Asia AgriTech Solution

Published on: Dec 21 2020 by Wayan Vota - 10 Comments
COVID-19 has disrupted the agriculture value chain at every level. The measures taken to contain the spread of the virus have stressed entire food systems. Today,...
Please RSVP Now to Engage with Global Agriculture Technology Leaders

Please RSVP Now to Engage with Global Agriculture Technology Leaders

Published on: Nov 03 2020 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Please RSVP Now to Engage with Global Agriculture Technology Leaders
The novel coronavirus pandemic has an immense impact on healthcare across the African continent. COVID-19 is also impacting economic livelihoods. The World Bank...
4 Key Findings: Smallholder Farmer Use of Mobile Phones for Agriculture

4 Key Findings: Smallholder Farmer Use of Mobile Phones for Agriculture

Published on: Sep 16 2020 by Guest Writer - 2 Comments
ICTforAg services and solutions disseminated through mobile phones offer the promise to connect millions of smallholder farmers and improve their access to agricultural...