NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Social impact investing cooperative Oikocredit has joined with co-investors Goodwell Investments and Global Partnerships/Eleos Social Venture Fund to provide US$ 8.5 million in equity to Zambian social enterprise Good Nature Agro.

Good Nature Agro supports 30,000 southern African smallholder farmers in growing drought-resistant, early-maturing legume seed varieties, including beans, cowpeas, soyabeans and groundnuts. Its agritech-based business model encompasses access to inputs, input finance, smart and reduced fertiliser use, climate-smart training, and a guaranteed market for high-value produce. It gives farmers a wealth of support to professionalise their businesses and establish a clear path out of poverty.

Photo courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher ©Wildlife Conservation Society.