Sector

Agribusiness & Forestry

Agribusiness & Forestry is a priority to IFC because of its broad development impact and especially strong role in poverty reduction. We combine our investments and advisory services capabilities to support private sector solutions focused on  addressing the world’s soaring demand of food and escalating food prices in a sustainable, inclusive and efficient way.

With three-fourths of the world’s poor living in rural areas, IFC’s private sector investments in agribusiness and forestry are an integral part of the World Bank Group’s goals of reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity. 

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IFC invests and provides services across the agribusiness and forestry value chains - from farm to fork - to help boost production, including expanding access to credit for small farmers,  and improve logistics and distribution of food products.

The impact of IFC clients in agribusiness in 2022:

  • 415 K
    Jobs supported
  • 100 K
    Jobs for women supported
  • 2.6 M
    Farmers reached
  • $19.7 B
    Domestic purchase of goods and services

At a Glance

IFC has an extensive track record in agribusiness and forestry, with a total committed portfolio of over $5 billion. In FY 2023, our long-term commitments totaled about $2.9 billion distributed across 27 projects, including approximately $1.8 billion mobilized from other investors.

We aim at developing long-term partnerships with our clients. Through our early-stage project development support, short-term and long-term financing solutions and advisory services we facilitate their growth and the growth of their value chains, enhance their competitiveness, upgrade food safety standards and expand market access.

Areas of Focus

IFC’s  approach in agribusiness and forestry is comprehensive and comprises the full value chain. We aim to  enhance food security, promote inclusive development and supporting environmental and social sustainability.

Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security

We advise and invest in agribusiness companies working to address the global food security and food safety challenges, by increasing food production, reducing lossess and focusing on nutrition.

Promoting Inclusive Development

IFC helps agribusiness companies to promote inclusive business models that strengthen local communities, smallholder farmers, and women, improving livelihood and market linkages.

Making Climate and Sustainability Key Business Drivers

We support companies in the adoption of sustainable practices, helping the sector reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and ecological footprint.

 

Insights & Reports

Stories of Impact