Evolution of approved projects 2020-2025;
Credit: ADA
Luxembourgish non-governmental organisation ADA - Appui au Développement Autonome has published the 2025 annual report of its Smallholder Safety Net Upscaling Programme (SSNUP), highlighting how the initiative helped mobilise €649 million in investments for organisations supporting smallholder farmers and agricultural value chains between 2020 and 2025.
According to the report, during the programme's first phase, 244 organisations received technical assistance co-financed by SSNUP, representing a total investment of approximately €10.7 million. This support enabled beneficiary organisations to strengthen their operations and attract funding from capital providers, including SSNUP partner investors.
The programme focuses on improving access to finance and strengthening agricultural value chains for smallholder farmers in developing countries. By supporting financial institutions, agricultural enterprises and cooperatives, SSNUP aims to increase the resilience and productivity of rural communities while expanding access to investment.
The report states that the programme reached 896,612 direct smallholder farmer beneficiaries during its first phase. In 2025 alone, 29 new projects were approved, supporting 41 organisations across nineteen countries.
Among the programme's achievements, SSNUP helped organisations improve their investment readiness, strengthen agricultural businesses and expand financial services available to rural populations. The report also highlights progress in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable production practices, digital financial services and gender inclusion.
The completion of SSNUP's first phase in 2025 marked the launch of the programme's second phase. According to ADA, Phase II welcomes three new permanent impact investor partners while continuing to strengthen collaboration between technical assistance providers and impact investors.
ADA explained that SSNUP is designed to bridge the gap between organisations serving smallholder farmers and investors seeking sustainable, high-impact opportunities. By improving the capacity of local organisations, the programme aims to facilitate long-term investment while increasing resilience among vulnerable farming communities.
The programme is coordinated by ADA and is supported by the Luxembourg Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED).
