The Central American Integration System (SICA) has unveiled a USD 216.7 million portfolio of investment opportunities to international investors, focused on modernizing agri food systems 🌾 and improving climate resilience across the region. The proposals were presented during an FAO investment forum “mano a mano” on 14 October in Rome.
The proposed investments aim to develop regional public goods supporting innovation, digital climate, soil and water data systems, and sustainable market access, potentially benefiting around 3.6 million people.
The region outlined investment solutions to help its Dry Corridor and arid zones become more resilient to climate variability, water shortages, limited soil information, gaps in innovation and digitalization, and increasing market requirements for sustainability and traceability.
Investment Priorities
⚠️ Scaling Up Agricultural Climate Risk Zoning – ZARC (34M)
The Agricultural Climate Risk Zoning (ZARC) initiative has already secured USD 2.4 million in funding across the region, with three national systems currently in place (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras). The proposal aims to broaden ZARC’s application and connect the data with agricultural financing, insurance and public investment planning. A proposed investment of USD 34 million would initially target 92,000 producers directly and another 414,000 indirectly.
💻 Digital Soil Mapping Initiative (USD 71M)
The Digital Soil Mapping initiative includes approximately USD 12 million for infrastructure, protocols and technical capacity to develop national soil information systems in Guatemala & Honduras and a proposed USD 59 million regional expansion.
🔬 Agricultural Research & Innovation (USD 11.2M)
Development of a regional database for staple grain and forage crop seeds, bringing together seven national agricultural research institutes under the coordination of the Central American Agricultural Council (CAC).
💧 Water Management (USD 56.5M)
Investments in integrated water management solutions, combining data, planning and infrastructure to improve water access for households, agricultural activities and communities.
AgriCER Regional Hub & Digital Transformation of Rural SMEs
An investment of USD 14 million will support the AgriCER Regional Hub, improving traceability across coffee and livestock supply chains in six countries.
Another investment priority is advancing the digitalization of rural MSMEs. Building on the development of a digital ecosystem for rural enterprises in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, the initiative seeks to extend these solutions to 1,600 businesses and 22,400 direct beneficiaries, improving access to connectivity, technology, digital skills, services and markets.
Read SICA’s press release for more info (Spanish)
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