Climate finance for smallholder farmers: the GEF-IFAD program in action

Climate change threatens the viability of family farms in sub-Saharan Africa. Prolonged droughts, unpredictable floods, and erratic seasonal variations are jeopardizing the food security of millions of people.

Microfinance institutions are the preferred partners of smallholder farmers, but most lack the tools to assess and manage climate risks when granting credit. This is the challenge that the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation has committed to addressing.

An ambitious program funded by the GEF and IFAD

The Foundation coordinates the program «Indicators and framework for financing climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation», funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and theIFAD.

This program aims to transform how financial institutions assess climate risks in their loan portfolios. In partnership with the JuST Institute, the Foundation develops innovative indicators, methodological frameworks and technological tools to integrate climate resilience into the heart of lending processes and encourage the financing of adaptation solutions.

The program operates in Senegal, in Benign and in Zambia, targeting 3,500 smallholder farmers, with particular attention to women farmers. The approach recognizes that each region and financial institution has its own characteristics, requiring methodological standardization coupled with flexibility for local adaptation.

YAPU: a technological tool for climate finance

YAPU, our technology platform partner is designed for rural African contexts where connectivity is limited. It integrates climate risk assessment directly into the credit granting process, enabling loan officers to collect data and generate a real-time risk assessment.

In June 2026, YAPU tested the platform alongsideAgora Microfinance Zambia (AMZ) and VisionFund Zambia, validating several key principles:

• Connectivity is not an obstacle : YAPU works without a stable internet connection, synchronizing data as soon as possible.
• The field validates the theory : Actual interviews with farmers confirmed that the workflows work where it really matters.
• Essential local adaptation : Adapting YAPU to the realities of each institution while maintaining a standardized methodology has proven crucial.
• Adoption is a human process : Continuous support and on-the-ground coaching have transformed the tool into a trusted element of daily work.

A measurable and lasting impact

This program creates a systemic shift in how rural finance integrates climate resilience. Benefits include: climate-responsive credit for farmers, improved risk management for financial institutions, enhanced agricultural resilience for communities, and finance that encourages sustainable practices.

A strategic collaboration

This program is the result of a collaboration between the Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation (coordinator), the JuST Institute, the partner financial institutions, YAPU, the GEF and theIFAD.

Together, we are building a climate finance infrastructure designed for real-world conditions and lasting impact. 🌍