Evaluation of Root Capital’s Financial Literacy Training Program for Sorghum Farmers in Ghana

In 2018, Root Capital launched a pilot program of a Farmer Financial Literacy training with sorghum farmers in Ghana and conducted a randomized control trial to evaluate its impacts. The training, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, sought to build farmers’ confidence to seek out, acquire, and manage credit from local banks. We present this report on the programs’ findings using data collected between February 2018 and March 2020.

The evaluation yielded mixed results, but numerous lessons on how this training and evaluation might be improved in the future. Some findings include:

  • Farmers reported a high degree of satisfaction with the content of the training;
  • Training participants were more likely than their peers to have a savings account; but
  • There was no relationship between the training and likelihood to obtain insurance or lines of credit.

Read the full impact study to learn more about the program.

Evaluation of Root Capital’s Financial Literacy Training Program for Sorghum Farmers in Ghana
by Root Capital and Participatory Development Associates

In 2018, Root Capital launched a pilot program of a Farmer Financial Literacy training with sorghum farmers in Ghana and conducted a randomized control trial to evaluate its impacts. We present this report on the programs' findings and lessons learned for future interventions.

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A woman stands in a group holding a sack of sorghum. She's wearing bright colors and is smiling. The background has many sacks of sorghum.
Climate Resilience Roadmap 2021 Mid-Year Report
by Root Capital

In the first half of 2021, we expanded financing to climate action leaders; delivered tailored agronomic and climate resilience advisory services to enterprise staff; designed a new loan product to finance soil regeneration efforts; and so much more. Read about how we're advancing our Climate Resilience Roadmap in partnership with rural communities.

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Women in Agriculture Initiative 2021 Mid-year Update
by Root Capital

In the first half of 2021, Root Capital continued to invest in the success of women farmers, employees, and entrepreneurs through our Women in Agriculture Initiative. Our 2021 Mid-year Update provides an update on our progress this year, and our cumulative progress since the initiative's launch in 2012.

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A woman coffee farmer in bright clothes stands in a forest and smiles at the camera.
CONFLUENCE PHILANTHROPY — Generating Social and Environmental Impact in Latin America
by Katie Naeve

In the face of daunting challenges, local leaders in Latin America are innovating to meet these challenges with creative solutions. By investing in these solutions, we can build a greener, more inclusive future across the region and around the world. 

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BUSINESS FIGHTS POVERTY — Leveraging the Power of Small Agricultural Businesses to Address Climate Change and Gender Inequity
by Isabel DoCampo, Katie Naeve, and Luis Marquez

In 2019, Root Capital piloted an innovative approach to strengthening women’s inclusion and climate resilience, in partnership with coffee cooperatives in Mexico and Central America. The evaluation uncovered key lessons for philanthropic and business partners.

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Pursuing Gender Equality Through Investment in Rural Communities—Root Capital Case Study
by Value for Women

This report documents Root Capital’s gender lens investing journey, capturing the organization’s goals and motivations, path toward realizing those goals, challenges faced, results of the work, factors behind success, and key learning.

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2020 Annual Report: A Time to Act
by Root Capital

In 2020, our world faced challenges that none of us could have predicted. In the face of uncertainty, Root Capital, our supporters, and our client agricultural enterprises around the world took action. Together, we were able to keep rural communities safe by protecting lives and preserving livelihoods.

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WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM — The COVID-19 Response Has Shown What We Are Capable of When We Work Together
by Mary Beth Cote-Jenssen, Saskia Bruysten, Yasmina Zaidman, Rebecca Eastmond

Leaders in social entrepreneurship have had to rethink existing approaches during the COVID-19 crisis, but breakthrough collaboration has allowed them to channel support through social entrepreneurs at the frontlines.

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THE NEW YORK TIMES — A Plan to Help Would-Be Honduran Migrants
by Ana Zacapa

After two devastating storms battered Central America, many families have been left with no choice but to migrate. Ana Zacapa, Root Capital’s board chair, makes the case for local, sustainable solutions grounded in rural prosperity.

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Evaluating How Root Capital’s Client Businesses Impact Smallholder Livelihoods: Oil Palm in Ghana
by Root Capital & Participatory Development Associates

This evaluation analyzes the extent to which affiliation with an agriculture business supported by Root Capital's lending and advisory services—in this case, an oil palm aggregator in Ghana called Serendipalm—improves the wellbeing of smallholder farmers. With insights directly from the business' supplying producers, the report highlights the impacts of affiliation with Serendipalm on farmer livelihoods, as well as lessons about the efficacy of Root Capital's engagement with the business.

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