Increasing responsible investment is critical to achieving the sustainable transformation of food systems, and is thus essential to eradicate poverty and hunger, create decent employment and foster social cohesion. Responsible investment in agriculture and food systems contributes to sustainable development, improves food security and nutrition, and respects human rights, while ensuring a return on investment for the investor. Responsible investment hence generates a triple performance in terms of profits (for the investor), people (for communities and consumers), and the planet (sustainable use of natural resources).
Our mission
FAO works with governments, small-scale producers, civil society, academia and the private sector to increase responsible investment in agriculture and food systems. Our work is normatively grounded in the Committee on World Food Security Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI), which constitutes the main international guidance instrument in this regard.
Highlights
Global
Responsible investment in agriculture and food systems and the Sustainable Development Goals
13/09/2021
Responsible investments in agriculture and food systems can be major drivers for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Watch...
E-learning
Supporting young agri-entrepreneurs with responsible agricultural investment projects
This course prepares agribusiness coaches to support young agri-entrepreneurs through CFS-RAI–based coaching and business planning.
Featured publications
National
The Agri-Accelerator journey in the Gambia – Stories of responsible young agri-entrepreneurs and business coaches transforming agrifood systems
15/06/2026
This publication highlights how youth engagement and responsible investment can transform agrifood systems in the Gambia. Through FAO’s Agri-Accelerator...
National
Youth-led responsible agricultural investment in the Gambia – Opportunities, barriers and policy pathways
26/05/2026
With nearly 38 percent of the Gambia’s population aged 15–34, youth are key to inclusive growth and sustainable agrifood systems. This publication explores...
Videos
E-learning
Supporting young agri-entrepreneurs with responsible agricultural investment projects
01/12/2025
This course trains agribusiness coaches to support young agri-entrepreneurs using CFS-RAI principles. It builds mentors’ skills in responsible investment,...
Micro e-learning: Preparing your responsible investment project pitch
06/10/2025
Learn how to prepare and deliver a clear, persuasive pitch for your responsible agri-investment project. This micro e-learning helps you highlight economic,...
Micro e-learning: Fill out your responsible business model
02/06/2025
Build a profitable agri-business while creating positive social and environmental impact. This micro e-learning helps young agri-entrepreneurs turn...
Empower women to engage in responsible investment in agriculture and food systems
05/05/2025
This course examines gender gaps in agrifood systems, focusing on why women face barriers to starting and growing agribusinesses and accessing opportunities...
Micro e-learning: Completing your business plan
03/03/2025
Turn your responsible business model into measurable results. This micro e-learning shows how to translate your RAI business model into technical, economic,...
Screening for responsible investment in agriculture and food systems
09/09/2024
This course covers the screening stage of investment assessment, explaining screening and due diligence and their role in promoting responsible agricultural...
Micro e-learning: Preparing your personalized operationalization plan
07/03/2024
Learn how to monitor and steer your agri-business project effectively. This micro e-learning introduces the personal operational plan, helping you track...
Empower youth to engage in responsible investment in agriculture and food systems
14/03/2023
This course is intended to help private investors plan and operate responsible investments by applying the “Principles for Responsible Investment in...
Course series: Creating an enabling environment for responsible investment in agriculture and food systems - Reform
01/12/2022
This course, the first in a three-part series, supports public and private stakeholders in driving reforms for responsible agricultural investment....
Responsible investment in agriculture and food systems targeted to the private sector
01/12/2021
This course is intended to help private investors plan and operate responsible investments by applying the “Principles for Responsible Investment in...
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Course series: Creating an enabling environment for responsible investment in agriculture and food systems - Analysis
04/05/2020
This course, which is part of series of three, provides guidance to conduct an analysis and gap identification for the creation of an enabling environment...
Course series : Creating an enabling environment for responsible investment in agriculture and food systems - Fundamentals
02/09/2019
This course illustrates the importance of responsible investment in agriculture and food systems for sustainable development, as well as the scope and...
Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems
13/03/2018
Discover the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems—endorsed by the Committee on World Food Security—through this interactive...
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