GAFSP Launches $163 Million Grants Programme to Strengthen Global Food Security and Support Smallholder Farmers
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) has launched a new US$163 million global grants programme aimed at strengthening food security, climate resilience, and agricultural livelihoods across some of the world’s poorest countries.
The funding initiative invites governments from eligible low-income countries to submit proposals focused on supporting smallholder farmers, improving agricultural systems, and addressing the growing global food insecurity crisis.
The announcement comes at a critical time as global hunger levels continue to rise amid conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and declining international development assistance.
About GAFSP
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program is a multilateral financing mechanism hosted by the World Bank.
Established to combat hunger and strengthen agricultural systems in low-income countries, the programme supports investments that improve:
- Food security
- Agricultural productivity
- Rural livelihoods
- Climate resilience
- Sustainable farming systems
Since 2010, GAFSP has mobilized more than US$2.46 billion in donor contributions and supported agricultural projects in 53 low-income countries.
Overview of the 2026 Grants Programme
The newly launched call for proposals will provide:
- Total Funding Available: US$163 million
- Eligible Applicants: National governments from IDA-only countries
- Submission Deadline: 15 September 2026
- Expected Award Announcement: January 2027
The programme specifically prioritizes fragile and conflict-affected states, which already account for approximately 60 percent of GAFSP’s grant funding portfolio.
Focus Areas of the Grants Programme
The 2026 funding round seeks innovative and integrated agricultural solutions that address interconnected development challenges.
Priority areas include:
- Food security improvement
- Climate resilience
- Nutrition enhancement
- Women’s empowerment
- Sustainable agricultural systems
- Rural economic development
The programme encourages proposals that combine multiple development objectives into cohesive agricultural investment strategies.
Why the Programme Matters
According to Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, global food insecurity has reached alarming levels.
Key global concerns highlighted include:
- 266 million people across 47 countries faced acute food insecurity in 2025
- Food insecurity rates have nearly doubled over the past decade
- Development aid declined by 23 percent in 2025
- Many low-income countries face rising debt and limited fiscal capacity
Conflict-related disruptions in the Middle East have also contributed to:
- Rising energy costs
- Increased transportation expenses
- Higher food production costs
- Upward pressure on global food prices
These factors continue to place vulnerable populations at greater risk of hunger and economic instability.
Support for Fragile and Conflict-Affected Countries
A significant portion of GAFSP funding supports countries facing conflict and institutional fragility.
The organization emphasizes that flexible, country-owned grant financing is increasingly important as global development funding declines.
The programme aims to ensure vulnerable countries can continue investing in:
- Agricultural productivity
- Rural infrastructure
- Climate adaptation
- Farmer resilience
- Food systems transformation
Example of Previous GAFSP Impact
One highlighted success story is the Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Commercialisation Project in Liberia.
The US$46.5 million project reportedly benefited approximately 155,000 people through:
- Improved agricultural inputs
- Modern farming machinery
- Better crop management practices
- Rural road investments
- Cooperative strengthening initiatives
The programme also supported economic reintegration for displaced populations and former combatants.
Complementary Financing Mechanisms
In addition to country-led grants, Global Agriculture and Food Security Program operates multiple financing tracks, including:
- Producer organization grants
- Private sector financing
- Business investment support programmes
These complementary financing mechanisms help connect:
- Governments
- Agribusinesses
- Cooperatives
- Smallholder farmers
- Development partners
within a broader agricultural development ecosystem.
Link to AgriConnect Initiative
The grants programme also complements World Bank initiatives such as AgriConnect, which aims to improve:
- Digital market access
- Agricultural financial services
- Access to farming inputs
- Digital agricultural systems
The new grants help ensure underserved communities and fragile regions are not excluded from agricultural innovation opportunities.
Statements from Global Leaders
Dr. Shobha Shetty, Head of GAFSP, emphasized the importance of long-term investment in smallholder agriculture during a period of shrinking development budgets.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, former Minister of Agriculture of Rwanda and Co-Chair of the GAFSP Steering Committee, highlighted the need for country-led financing approaches that directly address local agricultural priorities.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include countries classified as active International Development Association (IDA)-only members under the World Bank framework.
These are generally among the world’s lowest-income countries with high vulnerability to food insecurity and climate-related shocks.
Information and Support for Applicants
Throughout the four-month application window, GAFSP will provide:
- Informational webinars
- Application guidance
- Live FAQ support
Interested governments and stakeholders can access updates and programme details through the official GAFSP platform.
Application Deadline
- Submission Deadline: 15 September 2026
- Funding Decisions Expected: January 2027
Final Thoughts
The US$163 million 2026 grants programme launched by Global Agriculture and Food Security Program represents a major international effort to address rising hunger, strengthen climate resilience, and support vulnerable farming communities worldwide.
By prioritizing smallholder farmers, fragile states, and integrated agricultural solutions, the initiative seeks to advance sustainable food systems and long-term rural development in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
