Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) Components A & C

CASA is an FCDO funded programme driving global investment for inclusive climate-resilient agri-food systems that increase smallholder incomes. CASA makes the case to both impact and return-oriented investors for increased investment in agribusinesses that work with smallholder supply chains. The programme achieves this goal by: Demonstrating the commercial viability and investment-readiness of small and medium-sized (SME) agribusinesses with significant smallholder supply chains and attracting more investment into these businesses; Helping investors to increase the impact of their investments through the provision of inclusive technical assistance; Enabling poor smallholder farmers to engage with and trade in commercial markets; Strengthening the socio-legal empowerment of smallholders within value chains Tackling the information and evidence gaps holding back investment; and Improving food production and security, and fertiliser production. For demonstrating the commercial and development potential of smallholder sourcing models, CASA focuses on catalytic interventions in the agriculture sectors of Malawi and Nepal (and previously Uganda) that support agri-SMEs prepare for and secure investment while connecting smallholders to commercial markets. Having received additional funds from FCDO to help alleviate the global food crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, CASA is now looking to expand its work with agribusinesses on the ground into two new countries, Rwanda and Ethiopia. CASA’s work on research and communications is structured around identifying constraints, opportunities and addressing evidence gaps through research; shaping the debate on smallholder agriculture to influence actions of investors, governments and donors; and creating networking opportunities through events and stakeholder engagement.