This analysis of agricultural investment funds as a vehicle for financing businesses and projects looks at the capital needs of the different actors along the value chain. The 63 funds used in the study, which cover private, public and joint initiatives, are selected from FAO's 2010 publication on Agricultural Investment Funds for Developing Countries. This review identified a broad range of funds targeting agriculture in developing and transitioning countries and classified them according to geographic distribution, capital, shareholder and investor base, investment instruments, and financial performance, among other criteria.

Author Biography

Founded in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO provides a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. The Organization publishes authoritative publications on agriculture, fisheries, forestry and nutrition.