The 34th Midi de la Microfinance conference is being held on Wednesday 9 March 2016 from 12:00 to 14:00 at the Banque de Luxembourg headquarters in Luxembourg city centre.
The event will be entitled "Investment funds and microfinance: how to boost sustainable agriculture in developing countries?" at which attendees will discuss the challenges and solutions for the financing of sustainable agriculture in developing countries.
The conference will be held in english and the guest speakers include:
• Matthew Sparkes, representative of Root Capital, one of the largest agricultural investment funds
• Massimo Pera, agricultural economist for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
• Gilles Franck, director of ADA and Luxembourg Microfinance and Development Fund, who will be the moderator
• Marc Bichler, Ambassador of Luxembourg on issues on climate change, will conclude the meeting.
The improvement of small agriculture is essential to the development of populations in emerging countries worldwide. Farming activities can foster the sustainable economic growth of these countries. Indeed, studies have shown that the growth of agricultural production is more effective in reducing poverty than the growth of the industrial and services sectors.
As 75% of the poor people worldwide are living in rural areas, financing local agriculture can help eradicate hunger, develop local markets and fight unemployment. Furthermore, in order to reach the sustainable development goals, local products need to be provided for the world's growing urban population.This mission requires forging stronger links between rural producers and urban markets. It also requires building food systems that are more socially and environmentally responsible.
Unfortunately, the current situation is more beneficial to the expansion of agricultural lands by multinationals in spite of small farmers. The reason behind this is mainly linked to the fact that most farmers and smallholders lack access to financial services and to credit. Indeed, this can hinder their productivity growth and rural development. Currently, extending credits to small producers in the agricultural sector remains a challenge for institutions and banks due to the high transaction costs and the many other risks which can emerge, such as natural disasters, droughts, flood, etc.
To attend, register at www.ada-microfinance.org/en/registration-form-to-the-midis. Fort furtjer information, see www.ada-microfinance.org/fr/evenements/midis-microfinance/34e-midi-de-la-microfinance.
