Agros

Smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia contend with increasing water scarcity as well as an extremely variable climate that alternates between monsoons and dry seasons. Reliable irrigation is a vital way through which they can maintain agricultural productivity. However, the high upfront, operating and maintenance costs of traditional irrigation systems are almost impossible for them to afford. Farmlands in Southeast Asia are also subject to unprecedented levels of soil degradation due to deforestation, urbanisation and unsustainable agricultural practices. This reduces soil fertility, threatening long-term productivity and sustainability. Lack of awareness and limited technical capacity is stopping the famers aopting sustainable soil practices.

GIF has invested $500,000 in Agros to support the company on its pathway to scale and increased impact, with the aim of catalysing at least $1 million in additional financing.GIF’s funds also aim to support the adoption of at least 500 new solar pumps across Cambodia, Myanmar and Indonesia.