This systematic literature review explores the constraints to agricultural finance in 31 developing and underdeveloped countries. The study identifies key barriers to agricultural finance, including high interest rates, strict eligibility criteria, lack of collateral, complex procedures, and inadequate infrastructure. It synthesizes a holistic framework of these constraints, highlighting their interplay and mutual reinforcement among different stakeholders. The framework categorizes constraints into demand-side, supply-side, and infrastructure-related factors. Supply-side constraints include high financing costs, strict eligibility criteria, and inefficient monitoring policies. Demand-side constraints involve farmers' low repayment ability, lack of collateral, risk aversion, and limited access to formal credit. Infrastructure-related constraints include poor rural transportation, inadequate communication and technology, and lack of extension services. The study also highlights the limitations and unintended consequences of agricultural credit and its implications for agricultural sustainability. The findings suggest that a multi-faceted approach is needed to overcome these barriers, emphasizing the importance of addressing both supply and demand-side constraints, as well as improving infrastructure and financial services in rural areas. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a systematic assessment of the constraints to agricultural finance and proposing a holistic framework for conceptualization and policy formation.This systematic literature review explores the constraints to agricultural finance in 31 developing and underdeveloped countries. The study identifies key barriers to agricultural finance, including high interest rates, strict eligibility criteria, lack of collateral, complex procedures, and inadequate infrastructure. It synthesizes a holistic framework of these constraints, highlighting their interplay and mutual reinforcement among different stakeholders. The framework categorizes constraints into demand-side, supply-side, and infrastructure-related factors. Supply-side constraints include high financing costs, strict eligibility criteria, and inefficient monitoring policies. Demand-side constraints involve farmers' low repayment ability, lack of collateral, risk aversion, and limited access to formal credit. Infrastructure-related constraints include poor rural transportation, inadequate communication and technology, and lack of extension services. The study also highlights the limitations and unintended consequences of agricultural credit and its implications for agricultural sustainability. The findings suggest that a multi-faceted approach is needed to overcome these barriers, emphasizing the importance of addressing both supply and demand-side constraints, as well as improving infrastructure and financial services in rural areas. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a systematic assessment of the constraints to agricultural finance and proposing a holistic framework for conceptualization and policy formation.