Bridging barriers: Advancing gender and social inclusion in climate-smart horticulture finance for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia
This report examines the gender and social inclusion (GESI) dimensions of climate-smart horticulture finance in Ethiopia, with a focus on the barriers and opportunities affecting smallholder farmers’ access to financial services. Using an intersectional GESI lens, the study analyzes how the design and delivery of the Climate Smart Horticulture Loan (CSHL) influence equitable access, participation, and benefits for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups engaged in horticulture value chains. The research draws on participatory GenderUp workshops, stakeholder consultations, and secondary literature to explore structural constraints such as limited asset ownership, rigid documentation requirements, digital illiteracy, unequal market participation, and entrenched social norms that continue to restrict meaningful financial inclusion.
The findings highlight that while the CSHL incorporates innovative and inclusive features, including diversified collateral options, reduced equity requirements for women and youth, embedded insurance, digital onboarding, and climate-responsive loan structures, persistent social, institutional, and digital barriers continue to limit equitable participation. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating financial innovation with tailored advisory services, financial literacy training, trusted community intermediaries, and participatory monitoring systems to ensure sustained engagement and equitable benefit distribution. The report further identifies practical recommendations for strengthening inclusive finance systems, improving institutional responsiveness, and advancing gender-transformative approaches within climate-smart agriculture initiatives.
This study contributes evidence-based insights for policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, and practitioners seeking to design and implement inclusive climate finance solutions that promote resilience, productivity, and social equity among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. As part of the Accelerating Climate-Smart Horticulture in Ethiopia (ACT-H) project, funded by the Gates Foundation, the study supports broader efforts to advance gender-responsive and climate-smart financial innovations in the horticulture sector. The ACT-H project is implemented in collaboration between the CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Precise Consulting, and the Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI).