One Acre Fund, Sub-Saharan Africa

One Acre Fund (OAF), founded in 2006, is a US-based non-profit social enterprise dedicated to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across East and Sub-Saharan Africa. Its mission is to address barriers faced by farmers who lack access to quality agricultural inputs, financing, training, and markets. OAF provides a comprehensive ‘market bundle’ on credit, including improved seeds and fertilizers, agricultural training, financing, and market access services. By focusing primarily on staple crops such as maize, beans, rice, and other grains, the organization helps increase farm productivity, strengthen food security, and raise household incomes. As of 2024, OAF serves more than 1.6 million farmers in 10 countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zambia. 

OAF delivers its services directly to farmers through an extensive last-mile distribution network supported by 9,065 permanent staff. Its operational model combines efficient input distribution, personalized farmer support, and flexible financing solutions. The organization operates a full-service programme in five countries and adapted models elsewhere to address local conditions and constraints. To scale its outreach and expand access to agricultural services, OAF requires substantial working capital. The CFC supported this growth by providing a USD 1.5 million term loan facility, enabling OAF to reach more smallholder farmers and strengthen local food systems.