About Us
The Cracking the Nut® Conference, implemented by Connexus, is a leading international conference, convening development practitioners from around the world to tackle some of the toughest issues around building the world’s rural and agricultural markets.
Connexus, a global consulting services firm with a mission to transform international development and build local capacity.
Our Approach
The Cracking the Nut Conference is the premier, international learning event for sustainably building the world’s rural and agricultural markets. The flagship event, Cracking the Nut 2011 was held in June 2011, in Washington, DC, and focused on overcoming obstacles to rural and agricultural finance. Since the 2011 conference, Connexus has organized 10 additional Cracking the Nut events.
Participants at the inaugural Cracking the Nut 2011
Participants at Cracking the Nut 2015 in Lusaka, Zambia
Presenters at Cracking the Nut 2018 in Antigua, Guatemala
Participants at Cracking the Nut 2019 in Dakar, Senegal
Past Events
Cracking the Nut 2023 provided a demand‐driven, collaborative learning space where participants share experiences and best practices on innovative approaches to reducing risks and supporting rural and agricultural development, while stimulating and incentivizing private sector investment. This event brought together approximately 300 of the world’s relevant stakeholders to discuss “tough nuts” related to appropriate approaches for blended finance and smart subsidies, including the themes below.
Virtual
Focused on the need for new business models, combined with public sector investment to support food, water, and energy systems.
DAKAR, SENEGAL
Highlighted how public and private sector initiatives can be leveraged to stimulate rural and agricultural development, in a way that improves food security.
ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
Focused on encouraging the uptake of new technologies for agriculture and access to finance, in a way that promotes resilience.
BANGKOK, THAILAND
Focused on reinforcing food systems to meet urban demand.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Which focused on regenerating rural and agricultural development.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Role of Communities in Building Resilient Health Systems.
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
Focused on expanding rural and agricultural markets amid climate change.
KIGALI, RWANDA
Focused on expanding rural and agricultural markets amid climate change.
DRESDEN, GERMANY
Which focused on sustainable sourcing for agricultural supply chains.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Which focused on attracting private sector investment to rural and agricultural markets.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Focused on overcoming obstacles to rural and agricultural finance.
