About the fund
Demand for rice is rising rapidly in Sub-Saharan Africa, yet over 40% of the rice consumed in the region is imported at an annual cost of USD 5 billion.
With more than 80% of locally produced rice grown by smallholder farmers — 60% of whom are women — limited access to finance, modern tools and climate-resilient practices continues to hold back local production, undermining wages, business growth and environmental outcomes.
Africa’s first Sustainable Rice Bond addresses these challenges by channelling capital and technical expertise across the entire rice value chain through local financial institutions and agricultural intermediaries.
The funding enables farmers to adopt climate-smart and inclusive practices by investing in better inputs, targeted training, improved water management, and post-harvest technologies. As production becomes more sustainable, the initiative also generates measurable climate benefits, including reduced methane and CO₂ emissions.
This will strengthen the local rice sector by increasing incomes for smallholder farmers and other value chain actors.
