The objective of this brief is to assess the role of the private sector in developing human capital among smallholders. It identifies private sector roles in developing agriculture human capital and assesses the advantages, limitations and challenges of private sector involvement in developing farmers’ capacities. And it outlines how development agencies and governments can facilitate the private sector and private companies to increase investment in developing agriculture human capital. The brief concludes with recommendations on how development agencies and governments can support and facilitate the private sector, defined as for-profit private companies.