Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners, but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner.

Partner Description:

Founded in 2018, FISD Finance for Agriculture Development (FIFAD) is a microfinance institution in Malawi that provides below-market-rate loans to marginalized communities. The organization offers four loan products, but the majority of its portfolio is agriculture loans. Kiva funding is used exclusively for these agriculture loans.

A unique lending approach:

FIFAD serves rural, low-income communities by offering loans that are well below Malawi's average rate. Agriculture loans are primarily used to purchase inputs such as irrigation systems that allow clients to build a more robust, sustainable business. FIFAD also provides wrap-around services to its clients such as equipment installation and maintenance, crop production and management, and market access. In turn, borrowers are able to access both the materials and knowledge necessary to grow their business and climb the economic ladder.

Since its founding, FIFAD has grown to serve borrowers in two Malawian cities - Lilongwe and Blantyre. With Kiva's partnership, formed in 2020, the organization will be able to expand its agriculture lending program and provide low-interest loans to smallholder farmers in Nkhotakota, Karonga, and Salima.