As a tool contributing to sustainable agricultural transformation, Spore's influence is well recognised. In this final Trends article, we review the legacy of CTA's flagship publication and how it has evolved from a short technical bulletin to a comprehensive online and print magazine.

This article explains how 'impact investment funds' work and reports that these funds are fast becoming the vehicle of choice for governments and donors looking to invest in African agriculture and encourage private sector investors to do the same.

This article highlights the role of alternative finance, in the form of angel investors, in providing important seed money to jumpstart African agribusiness entrepreneurs.

It is suggested that loan guarantee funds can be a powerful tool in helping smallholders access finance, but getting the model right is vital. Cost control and transparent management and governance are the key criteria for their success.

This dossier examines the transformation of agricultural extension in Africa and the Caribbean through digital technology, including digital video and radio and smart phones.

This article examines the digitalisation of agricultural extension in Africa. It discusses village-level extension via video as well as the use of radio and smartphones in extension.