Rabobank Acorn Agroforestry Carbon Programme

Project description

Acorn has built a global, transparent, and technology-enabled marketplace for carbon sequestration to support farmers in making the transition to agroforestry at scale. The additional income generated by the carbon credits will make the transition to agroforestry more financially sustainable for the farmers.

This program presents a unique opportunity for FSD Africa to play a critical role in transitioning smallholder farmers in Africa towards more sustainable agricultural production systems whilst also potentially linking capital markets to natural capital.

Target Results

• Capital markets resources are available to finance long-term inclusive economic growth based on sustainable natural capital harvesting (agroforestry)
• Increased access to green jobs, inclusive economic growth, and enhanced food security for smallholder farmers
• Payment for Ecological Services (PES) – carbon credits are demonstrated as a means to monetize the positive benefits generated by the sustainable use of natural capital.

Progress to date

• The programme has successfully commenced, with the project’s pilot phase in progress.
• Carbon loans have been disbursed to smallholder farmers in Zambia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
• Technical training sessions have been conducted to equip smallholder farmers with the skills required for agroforestry.
• The farmers have begun planting trees and cash crops on their farms with the expectation of increased crop yields.
• The first carbon credits trading cycle will occur in three (3) years.