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.

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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Root Capital’s COVID-19 Response: Six Month Report
by Root Capital
In this report, we summarize Root Capital's activities from March to August 2020 related to COVID-19 response. With our community's support, we have built immediate and long-term resilience for agricultural businesses and rural communities around the world.

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FORBES — Nobel Peace Prize Underscores The Need For Sustainable Market Solutions To Global Hunger
by Willy Foote

It will take a concerted push by governments, investors, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and more to build a thriving, resilient smallholder agricultural market. But this effort is critical.

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Impacts of COVID-19 on Agricultural Businesses in Africa, Latin America, and Indonesia: Summary of Second Survey Results and Root Capital’s Response
by Root Capital

In this report, we summarize the results of our second COVID-19 client survey and detail the ongoing activities of Root Capital’s COVID-19 response.

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THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION NEWS — Fighting COVID-19 Where It Matters Most: Rural Communities
by Willy Foote and Raj Punjabi

We’ve learned over decades of experience that farming communities have resources and infrastructure ready to be mobilized in times of crisis. By leveraging these resources, we can preserve both lives and livelihoods in vulnerable rural areas.

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