Agwenda Women Input Loan Initiative (AWILI)
Description
AWILI provides improved farm inputs paid back in harvest to rural “un-bankable” women farmers.
Market Opportunity/ Problem
Due to the high upfront cost for improved agro-inputs, most rural women smallholder farmers cannot purchase improved farm inputs, resorting to traditional inputs (e.g., local seeds, etc.), leading to reduced productivity. AWILI’s model is making a tremendous difference amongst women and youth who usually do not meet the criteria amongst lending institutions/banks due to their strict conditions. In addition, the company’s model considers the farming calendar, which allows the farmer to produce without succumbing to the pressure of paying back loans.
Company Information
Years of operation
6
Type of organization
Private company
Stage of the business
Mature
Agribusiness focus
Provision of inputs
Agriculture value chain(s) focus?
Cash Crops
Primary country of operation
Malawi
Other country(ies) of operation
N/A
How many employees does your business have?
26
Does the business have more than 30% women ownership?
Yes
Does the business have more than 30% youth ownership (under 35 years)?
Yes
Financing and expansion overview
How much capital is the company currently fundraising (US$)?
50k-500k
What is the split between equity and debt?
20% equity and 80% debt