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.

Evaluating How Root Capital’s Client Businesses Impact Smallholder Livelihoods: Sorghum in Ghana
by Root Capital and Participatory Development Associates

This report analyzes the impact of Root Capital lending and advisory services on a sorghum aggregator in Ghana and the impact of that enterprise on its suppliers and local community. Read on for exciting findings about Root Capital's engagement with the business.

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Sorghum farmer tending to an open-air field filled with waist-high sorghum. The farmers' face is covered by a hat.
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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