Publications

Sustained impact is unlocked when we share data and insights across sectors. Root Capital publishes original research, impact studies, evaluations, and articles demonstrating how to effectively build rural prosperity.

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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Building the Capacity for Small and Growing Businesses to Improve the Climate Resilience of Women Farmers
by Value for Women

Recognizing the impact of climate change on women and the important role of women in mitigating its effects, in 2019 Root Capital launched its first-ever climate resilience-focused Gender Equity Grants (GEGs) in Mexico and Central America. This report, prepared by Value for Women, examines the effectiveness and relative impact of this intervention. It also recommends best practices for investors, donors, and other organizations working to promote rural women’s climate resilience through agricultural enterprises.

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THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION NEWS — U.S. Immigration: President Biden Must Invest in Rural Communities
by Willy Foote

The Biden administration’s new Central America immigration plan must involve investing in rural economies so would-be migrants can have a better future.

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A migrant farmer works in the fields
Women in Agriculture Initiative: 2020 Annual Report
by Root Capital

At Root Capital, we believe that agricultural enterprises are one of the most effective platforms for delivering services and opportunities to rural women. This report highlights our impact in 2020, during which we supported women farmers, employees, and entrepreneurs as they promoted gender inclusion and equity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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