Innovation and Knowledge for Investment (IK4I)
The Investment Centre provides a strong evidence-based voice on investment and finance solutions through its Innovation and Knowledge for Investment (IK4I) work.
By harnessing FAO’s technical expertise and leveraging partnerships with key financing and research institutions, the Centre fills critical knowledge gaps. It also shares the latest thinking and practical tools to support investment.
The growing body of investment knowledge products covers a wide range of topics – from scaling up agrifood investments for and by youth in Africa, to decarbonizing agrifood systems, among many others.
Latest stories
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Sustainability-linked loans and the transition to more sustainable agrifood systems
02/06/2026
Agrifood systems are under growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity, improve water stewardship and ensure more sustainable production practices. Financial institutions are increasingly expected to support this transition by integrating sustainability considerations into lending decisions.
The dos and don’ts of blended finance in agrifood systems – advice to mobilize capital for impact via investment funds
23/03/2026
Blended finance – the use of public or philanthropic money to mobilize private investment for sustainable development – quickly gained traction as one way to bridge the huge agrifood systems financing gap, which stands at hundreds of billions of USD. FAO’s new investment brief – “Dos and don'ts of blended finance in agrifood systems: the case of investment funds” – carried out in the context of its collaboration with the European Union, aims to help public and private investors make the best use of blended finance in agrifood systems.
Investing in fresh, safe and export-ready horticulture in Egypt
10/03/2026
Egypt’s horticulture exports have excellent potential for growth in European and other global markets, especially with strategic investments in food safety and quality, sustainability and supply chain infrastructure. These are some of the findings of a study conducted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the FAO Investment Centre, with support from the European Union through EBRD’s Trade and Competitiveness Programme.
New book traces the FAO Investment Centre’s evolution over its first 60 years
19/12/2025
For over six decades, the FAO Investment Centre has helped countries invest in agrifood systems to reduce hunger, poverty and malnutrition and advance sustainable development.
A new publication, “The FAO Investment Centre, 60 Years Young, 1964–2024”, traces the Centre’s evolution over its first 60 years.
Latest publications
Directions in Investment
Integrating sustainability-linked loans into agrifood finance: Opportunities and challenges
06/2026
This report summarizes the key findings and aims to inform development banks and other financial investors interested in issuing more and higher-quality...
Investment Briefs
Dos and don’ts of blended finance in agrifood systems: The case of investment funds
03/2026
This paper briefly reviews the definition of blended finance and the characteristics of blended funds in agrifood systems. It then focuses on lessons...
Country Investment Highlights
Expanding Egyptian horticultural exports to European markets: Opportunities and investment priorities
03/2026
This new study, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the FAO Investment Centre, shows that strategic investments...
FAO Investment Centre 60 years young 1964–2024
12/2025
The 60-year journey of the FAO Investment Centre tells a remarkable story of technical excellence and trusted partnerships. It also reflects the vision...
Brochure
Investing in people for better agrifood jobs
10/2025
The FAO Investment Centre connects these dimensions by ensuring physical and financial investments are matched with investments in people. It integrates...
Annual Reviews
FAO Investment Centre – Annual review 2024
06/2025
FAO, through its Investment Centre, collaborates with countries and a growing network of financing and knowledge partners to provide investment and...
Annual Reviews
FAO Investment Centre - 2024 at a glance
06/2025
FAO is intensifying its efforts with financing partners to crowd in public and private investment for a more food-secure, resilient and sustainable...
Directions in Investment
Agrifood systems in the voluntary carbon market: Status and prospects
04/2025
This report constitutes the first global assessment of the agrifood sector in the voluntary carbon market (VCM), which is where carbon credits are issued,...
Directions in Investment
Investing in trade digitalization: the case of ePhyto
03/2025
This report examines how the ePhyto solution can facilitate the export trade of four countries where the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development...
Directions in Investment
Understanding commercial urban agriculture: An overview
01/2025
From 2021 through 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, University of Bologna, Wageningen University and Research, University...
Country Investment Highlights
Digital technologies for agriculture in Türkiye: A review
01/2025
Available in Turkish. This study reviews the current state of digital technologies in agriculture in Türkiye. Following a brief review of key trends...
Investment Briefs
Accessing finance to invest in agrifood: A review of experimental evidence
12/2024
This brief focuses on the impacts of finance access on farmers’ investments and how it can enable investments in farms and businesses. It examines experimental...