The 2015 Cracking the Nut conference took place in Lusaka, Zambia on March 2-3, 2015 at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The two-day learning event highlighted innovations in the development of rural and agricultural markets and financial inclusion, amid global climate change. The conference brought together top industry leaders from food companies, financial institutions, investors, donors, governments and international development organizations.

Our Themes

Strengthening Rural & Agricultural Infrastructure

How can public and private investors work to strengthen a country’s infrastructure in a way that will expand markets, revenues and competitiveness? How can large agricultural investments be designed to not only protect, but enhance a country’s natural resources and environment?

Expanding Financial Services to Rural Areas

Which financial services are most important to farmers? What role can insurance, futures and commodities exchanges play in reducing price volatility? What creative strategies can be used to serve rural clients? How can we build upon indigenous and informal financial mechanisms to safely broaden financial inclusion, especially to women and youth in rural areas?

Improving Agricultural Production

To what extent is global climate change going to increase risks associated with agricultural markets, investments and finance? What climate smart technologies are available to help farmers adapt? What types of agricultural subsidies are okay and who should provide them? How can forestry and livestock management help to reduce desertification?

Cracking the Nut 2015

Our Themes

​​Strengthening Rural & Agricultural Infrastructure

Expanding Financial Services to Rural Areas

Improving Agricultural Production

Strengthening Rural & Agricultural Infrastructure