Food systems

Strengthening rural livelihoods and food security through SME financing

Brief description of the project

BALIM addresses the financing gap faced by rural agricultural SMEs in Tanzania by providing customized loans and technical support. With the support of the LED, two rural SMEs are being financed, each working with around 1,000 smallholder farmers. This will reach around 2,000 direct beneficiaries and up to 10,000 people in total, including their households. The project strengthens the growth of SMEs, improves market access and the income of small-scale producers, increases food security and promotes sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural and water-related practices.

Project goals

• Rural SMEs gain access to affordable debt financing and technical support, which strengthens their growth and resilience.
• Smallholder farmers and rural households benefit from improved market access, more stable incomes and greater food security.
• The increased use of sustainable agricultural and water-related practices and improved access to renewable energy reduce environmental degradation and strengthen climate resilience.