The training in agricultural and rural finance (FAR) 2022 is about to start in Cotonou

Image: FAR 2021 training in Kigali (Rwanda) in October 2021

The training in agricultural and rural finance (FAR) is about to start in Cotonou

The training in agricultural and rural finance will begin very soon in Benin, six months after the introductory online session that brought together 150 participants, selected from over 750 applications! This second, more in-depth session will take place in Cotonou from 17 to 22 October for the 40 most assiduous participants from 18 African countries. All of them come from the inclusive finance sector, ranging from managers of financial institutions to fintech and insurance companies willing to develop financial products and services for the agricultural sector.

This new session will train participants in agricultural financial product design, financing mechanisms in agricultural value chains, agricultural insurance for smallholders, risk management and digital services for agricultural finance.
The courses will be taught in French and English by experts in agricultural and rural finance such as FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), ADA, AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa) and other experts from Africa.
Panel discussions will review the latest industry trends and market opportunities.
Finally, participants will go on a field trip with Beninese professionals working for the development of the agricultural sector.
Beyond the formal programme, participants and speakers will have various opportunities to exchange their rich and varied experience from the different countries  they work.

The success of the FAR training inspires a new programme

The FAR training course is growing again this year. Its success has encouraged one of its organisers, FAO, to create synergies with the IFAD-funded PADAAM programme (Projet d'appui au développement agricole et à l'accès au marché - Agricultural Development and Market Access Support Project). This resulted in a tailor-made event for 30 Beninese PADAAM participants, organised by ADA, FAO and IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) as an extension of FAR. The event will take place in Cotonou from 24 to 26 October and will address current issues and opportunities related to agricultural financing with a focus on Benin.