The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) has launched a significant new funding initiative. This program aims to provide $163 million in grants to low-income countries. The goal is to strengthen their food systems, improve resilience to climate change, and offer support to millions of smallholder farmers. This initiative comes at a time when global hunger is at a critical high and development aid is decreasing.
Why This Grant Is Important Now
Around 266 million people in 47 countries faced severe food shortages in 2025. This is the second-highest number ever recorded and nearly double the figure from ten years ago. Several global issues are making the situation worse.
Growing Conflicts Worldwide
Conflicts in various regions have disrupted transportation and energy supplies. This has led to higher costs for producing and distributing food globally. These disruptions continue to drive up food prices, especially impacting poorer countries that import a lot of their food.
Climate Change Impacts
Extreme weather events like droughts and floods, along with changing weather patterns, are putting immense pressure on farming systems. Smallholder farmers are often the most affected by these climate-related disasters.
Decreasing Foreign Aid
A concerning trend is the sharp drop in international development aid. Global aid fell by 23% in 2025, the largest single-year decrease on record. Aid to the least developed countries is expected to drop by as much as 25%. Many governments are also dealing with increased national debt, limited financial resources, weak social support systems, and a reduced ability to help their citizens. In this challenging environment, the GAFSP grant program offers vital long-term investment for agriculture in countries that desperately need it.
About GAFSP
The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program is a global funding platform managed by the World Bank. It focuses on improving food security and agricultural output in low-income nations. Since its start in 2010, GAFSP has gathered over $2.46 billion from donors. It has supported agricultural projects in 53 countries, reaching more than 39 million people. Over $1.12 billion has been directed to countries facing conflict or instability.
GAFSP stands out from other aid programs because it prioritizes:
- Country-driven solutions: Projects are designed and led by the recipient countries.
- Long-term sustainability: Focus is on creating lasting improvements.
- Flexible funding: Grants are provided in a way that meets country needs.
- Local ownership: Communities and governments have control over their agricultural development plans.
The program combines public and private funding. It also connects governments, businesses, farming groups, and local farmers within a larger framework for agricultural development.
Goals of the 2026 GAFSP Grant
The new Call for Proposals, the ninth in its history, aims to fund projects that will directly improve:
- Food security
- Agricultural productivity
- Resilience to climate change
- Rural livelihoods
- Empowerment of women
- Nutrition outcomes
A key new aspect of this funding round is the focus on integrated solutions. Instead of funding single agricultural activities, GAFSP wants proposals that tackle multiple related problems at once. Projects that combine climate adaptation, better nutrition, gender equality, economic stability, and sustainable farming changes will be viewed more favorably.
Special Attention to Fragile and Conflict-Affected Nations
A very important part of this program is its strong focus on countries experiencing conflict or instability. About 60% of GAFSP’s current grant funding already goes to these fragile areas. This shows the program’s understanding that rebuilding agriculture is often key to peace, economic stability, and helping people return to normal life. GAFSP specifically encourages applications from countries dealing with political unrest, armed conflict, post-conflict recovery, displacement, and weak government systems. This approach sees agriculture as more than just an economic sector; it’s a foundation for lasting stability and resilience.
Example of Success: Liberia
The announcement highlighted a successful project in Liberia as an example of what GAFSP funding can achieve. A $46.5 million project focused on improving smallholder farmer productivity and market access. This project benefited about 155,000 people. Farmers received better seeds and modern equipment, leading to significant increases in crop yields. Rural roads and infrastructure were also improved. Farming cooperatives grew, and former soldiers and displaced people were helped to rejoin the workforce through productive farming activities. This Liberian project shows how agricultural investment can address food security, economic recovery, and social stability in difficult environments.
Connection to Digital Agriculture
The grant program also works alongside AgriConnect, a World Bank initiative. AgriConnect aims to connect smallholder farmers with digital markets, farming supplies, financial services, and technology-based farming methods. By supporting fragile and underserved countries where digital technology is less common, GAFSP wants to make sure that farming communities that are often left behind can still benefit from new agricultural innovations.
Statements from Leaders
Dr. Shobha Shetty, Head of GAFSP, stressed the urgent need to invest in smallholder farmers. She noted that these farmers feed their families and countries but are often the last to receive investment. She pointed out how conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability continue to hit vulnerable farming communities the hardest.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Co-Chair of the GAFSP Steering Committee and former Rwandan Minister of Agriculture, also emphasized the importance of long-term, country-led agricultural funding. She made this point during a time when global development budgets are shrinking. Her statement highlighted that lasting agricultural change requires funding that is based on national priorities, not just short-term emergency responses.
Application Timeline
The application period for the 2026 GAFSP Call for Proposals is open for four months.
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: September 15, 2026
- Expected Award Announcements: January 2027
Throughout the application period, GAFSP will offer informational webinars, guidance materials, live question and answer sessions, and technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the new GAFSP funding initiative?
The main goal is to provide $163 million in grants to low-income countries to strengthen their food systems, improve resilience to climate change, and support smallholder farmers.
Why is this grant important right now?
It’s important because global hunger is at a critical high, conflicts are disrupting food supplies, climate change is impacting agriculture, and foreign aid has significantly decreased.
What makes GAFSP different from other aid programs?
GAFSP focuses on country-driven solutions, long-term sustainability, flexible funding, and local ownership, ensuring projects are tailored to specific national needs and led by recipient countries.
What is the deadline for submitting grant proposals?
The submission deadline for the 2026 GAFSP Call for Proposals is September 15, 2026.
