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Rabobank Acorn Agroforestry Carbon Programme

Overview

Abstract

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.

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.

Project Details

Project Title

Rabobank Acorn Agroforestry Carbon Programme

Implementing Partner

Rabobank Foundation

Donor(s)

FSD Africa

Value (in £)

TBC

Implementation Period

2022-2024

Countries Covered

Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya

Project Description

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

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.