Helping farming families increase incomes and strengthen food security.

With three-quarters of the world’s poorest people living in rural areas and depending on farming for their livelihoods, agriculture is central to the fight against poverty. Women smallholder farmers make up more than 40% of the agricultural workforce — yet face persistent barriers to financing, markets, and the training needed to succeed. Through tailored programs in Ghana and Malawi, Opportunity equips farmers with microloans, climate-smart training, crop insurance, and stronger market connections — so that stronger harvests translate into stable incomes, better nutrition, and brighter futures for the whole family.

How we create opportunity through agriculture.

Tailored Microfinance Solutions

We provide loans tailored for smallholder farmers to help them buy quality seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) give farmers access to savings and loans, allowing them to invest in sustainable farming and increase their income.

Capacity Building

We deliver training on best farming practices, financial literacy, and climate-smart agriculture. Farmer Support Agents also offer personalized guidance, leveraging technology to disseminate information and collect data to tailor support effectively.

Market Access

We connect farmers with reliable markets, enabling them to sell their produce at fair prices, thereby maximizing their earnings.

Digital Innovations

Women farmers will learn through training messages, be able to apply for and repay loans, as well as access real-time weather and farming information.

Our impact in agriculture.

In FY2024-25, Opportunity International Canada equipped smallholder farmers — primarily women — with climate-smart agriculture training, seasonal microloans, crop insurance, and stronger market connections across Ghana and Malawi. Women farmers in northern Ghana reported crop yield and income increases of up to 40% in their first season, while 12,000 farming families in Malawi’s Mulanje District built resilience against drought and flood through regenerative agriculture and community savings groups.

Funds disbursed and people reached through our agriculture programs are reported annually as part of our Microfinance pillar.

Browse our current projects and outcomes:

CLIENT STORIES

Meet smallholder farmers improving their livelihoods and creating brighter futures.

Janet, Ghana

Janet, a farmer and mother in Ghana, faced challenges from unpredictable weather and limited resources. Her life transformed after joining the SEED Program, where she received training and a microloan. This support helped her create a thriving farm that now provides a reliable income for her family. Janet aspires to open a shop, aiming to generate more opportunities for herself and her community.

Mary, Malawi

Mary, a single mother in Malawi, faced hardships after losing her husband and experiencing a cyclone that destroyed her crops. With support from Opportunity International, she accessed financial training and microloans, allowing her to start a bakery and invest in livestock. This empowerment provided stability for her family and helped her become a community leader, inspiring others to overcome challenges.

Ernestina, Ghana

Ernestina, a determined farmer in Ghana, faced significant challenges after the loss of her husband. As a mother of two, she was committed to providing for her family. With support from the SEED Program, she received a microloan and training that allowed her to improve her business and expand her farm. Now, Ernestina dreams of a future where her children can thrive, and hopes to create jobs within her community.