OVERVIEW

The Agricultural Credit Enhancement (ACE) project established and managed the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) until the ADF was transferred to the Afghan government in 2015. The follow-on project, ACE-II expanded access to credit for small-and medium-size farms and agribusinesses. ACE-II provided technical assistance to improve ADF’s management systems and catalyze its transition to a sustainable agricultural development financial institution.

ACTIVITIES

• Completed modifications and upgrades to the ADF’s Loan Application System
• Recruited and trained new ADF personnel
• Provided continuity and reinforcement of the ADF governance structure
• Trained High Council committees
• Adjusted credit policies in accordance with new products or business process changes
• Developed a manpower plan, inclusive of staff trainings, checklists, and on-boarding requirements
• Supported non-credit functions, such as human resources, communications, marketing, and technical services

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Supported the ADF in the disbursements of over $50 million in lending to the agricultural sector
• As of end of March 2019, assisted11,026 beneficiaries to gain access to agricultural lending products
• ACE-II contributed to creation of 1,877 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs
• ADF portfolio, under ADF internal metrics, demonstrated 0% loan losses as of end of March 2019
• ACE-II finalized the ADF Growth Plan, a strategy to ensure the expansion of the ADF’s lending portfolio to achieve sustainable growth and utilization of surplus capital, and presented it to ADF High Council
• Supported search for new ADF CEO following the departure of Mr. Ravi Malik in March 2019
• Began the development of a new ADF Website, utilizing a modern layout to raise awareness ,and demonstrate professionalism of the institution
• Initiated exploration of a long-term lending facility through potential partner Afghan Growth Finance (AGF) to provide access to ADF capital for productive agricultural enterprises