The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) has launched a new US$163 million funding round aimed at helping the world’s poorest countries strengthen food security, improve agricultural productivity, and build resilience against climate change amid rising global hunger and shrinking development assistance.
The funding opportunity, announced under GAFSP’s 9th Call for Proposals, comes as food insecurity remains at near-record levels worldwide.
According to the program, 266 million people across 47 countries experienced acute food insecurity in 2025, driven by conflict, climate-related shocks, economic instability, and persistently high food prices.
The initiative also comes against the backdrop of a sharp contraction in international development financing. Global development assistance declined by 23% in 2025, marking the steepest annual drop on record and leaving many low-income countries with limited fiscal capacity to respond to food crises.
Hosted by the World Bank, GAFSP is inviting eligible governments—primarily low-income countries eligible for financing through the International Development Association (IDA) to submit proposals for projects that can deliver sustainable improvements in agriculture and rural livelihoods.
The new funding will prioritize country-led initiatives designed to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience for smallholder farmers, improve nutrition outcomes, and expand economic opportunities for women and rural communities.
GAFSP
Since its establishment in 2010, GAFSP has mobilized more than US$2.46 billion in funding, supporting agricultural development projects in 53 countries and benefiting over 39 million people. A significant share of its investments has been directed toward fragile and conflict-affected states, where food insecurity is often most severe.
The program is regarded as one of the world’s leading multilateral financing mechanisms dedicated to strengthening agriculture and food systems in low-income countries. By supporting long-term investments rather than short-term emergency responses, GAFSP aims to help countries build more resilient and sustainable food systems capable of withstanding future economic and climate-related shocks.
Eligible governments have until September 15, 2026, to submit proposals.
Further information, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines, is available through the GAFSP program.
