Training

Training in agricultural and rural finance (FAR)

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2026 EDITION

Introductory e-learning session  
13 April - 8 May 2026

In-Depth In-Person Session - Côte d'Ivoire
19 - 24 October 2026

The Agricultural and Rural Finance training programme (FAR – Finance agricole et rurale in French) aims to strengthen the capacity of financial professionals in Africa to effectively serve agricultural value chain actors, particularly smallholder farmers. Participants will gain practical insights into designing and delivering inclusive financial and non-financial services tailored to the needs of target clients. Through peer learning and professional exchange, the programme also contributes to building a dynamic network of practitioners committed to advancing inclusive agricultural and rural finance across the continent.

This annual training programme is jointly organised by ADA, the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade (MFA), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Executives and managers of financial institutions (microfinance institutions, banks, insurance companies) seeking to design financial products and services tailored to the needs of the agricultural sector and rural populations.
• Executives and managers from fintech, agritech companies, international organisations and NGOs working on inclusive agricultural and rural finance.

TRAINING FORMAT

• Two parallel language tracks: French and English 
• Two-phase format: 
  • 4-week introductory e-learning session (around 140 participants)
  • 1-week in-depth in-person session (40 selected participants )

COURSE CONTENT

1/ INTRODUCTORY E-LEARNING SESSION — 13 APRIL TO 8 MAY 2026

This four-week online session is delivered via the FAO Academy platform and allows participants to progress at their own pace (approximately 4–8 hours per week). 

The programme is structured into four modules: 

• Market opportunities and product design 
• Risk management in agricultural and rural finance 
• Agricultural insurance 
• Digital services for agricultural finance 

Each module combines lessons, quizzes, individual assignments, and discussion forums with participants and experts. There are two mid-course assessments. 

The curriculum is complemented by expert-led webinars on topics such as climate finance, agroforestry, agricultural investment, and business plan development. 

2/ IN-DEPTH IN-PERSON SESSION — 19 TO 24 OCTOBER 2026, CÔTE D’IVOIRE

This one-week in-person session builds on the knowledge introduced during the online phase. It is reserved for the 40 top participants, selected based on their engagement and performance in the e-learning session.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Fees: Access to both training phases is free of charge. 
• Scholarships: The 40 top participants of the in-person session will receive a scholarship from the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. The scholarship covers training fees, accommodation, and meals, excluding travel, visa, insurance, and healthcare/vaccination costs. 
• Commitment letter: Selected applicants for the online session must submit a letter of commitment from their line manager confirming their participation.  
• Contact: For further information, please email the FAR coordination team at far@ADAimpact.lu. 

APPLICATIONS

Applications for FAR 2026 are now open. To be considered, please submit your application via this form between 10 and 24 February 2026.