The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) has announced a major US$163 million funding initiative aimed at strengthening food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods across some of the world’s poorest nations as hunger and economic instability continue to intensify globally. The new grants program, unveiled on May 13, 2026, invites governments from low-income countries to submit proposals for agricultural development projects designed to support smallholder farmers, improve food systems, and expand economic opportunities in fragile communities. Hosted by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program and backed by the World Bank, the initiative arrives at a time when global food insecurity is approaching record levels. According to GAFSP, approximately 266 million people in 47 countries experienced severe food insecurity in 2025, marking the second-highest level ever recorded. Escalating geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global supply chains have contributed to rising transportation and energy costs, placing additional pressure on food production and distribution networks worldwide. Import-dependent economies, particularly in low-income regions, have been among the hardest hit as inflation and declining purchasing power continue to threaten access to affordable food. The funding announcement also comes amid a historic decline in international development aid. Overseas development assistance reportedly fell by 23 percent in 2025, the sharpest annual reduction on record, while bilateral aid to the world’s least developed countries is expected to decrease significantly. GAFSP officials said the ninth call for proposals is specifically designed to address these overlapping crises by directing long-term investment toward countries facing the greatest vulnerabilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on fragile and conflict-affected states, which already account for nearly 60 percent of GAFSP’s grant financing portfolio. The latest funding round introduces a stronger focus on integrated agricultural solutions that simultaneously address climate resilience, nutrition, and women’s economic empowerment. Projects demonstrating innovative, community-driven approaches to these interconnected challenges are expected to receive priority consideration. Dr. Shobha Shetty, Head of GAFSP, said smallholder farmers continue to face disproportionate exposure to economic shocks, conflict, and climate-related disasters despite playing a central role in feeding local populations and national economies. She noted that shrinking development budgets have made flexible, country-led financing increasingly important for vulnerable nations struggling to maintain food production and protect rural livelihoods. Since its establishment in 2010, GAFSP has mobilized more than US$2.46 billion in donor contributions to support agricultural investments in 53 low-income countries. The program reports that its initiatives have benefited more than 39 million people globally, including over US$1.12 billion directed toward fragile and conflict-affected states. One of the program’s highlighted success stories is a US$46.5 million agricultural productivity and commercialization initiative in Liberia. The project reportedly supported around 155,000 people by improving access to quality seeds, modern farming equipment, and advanced agricultural practices. Infrastructure investments, including rural road development and support for farmer cooperatives, also helped reintegrate displaced populations and former combatants into productive economic activities, demonstrating the role agriculture can play in stabilizing post-conflict communities. GAFSP operates through several financing mechanisms that include government-led grants, producer organization support, private sector financing, and business investment programs. This multi-layered approach allows the organization to connect farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers within broader national agricultural strategies. Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Co-Chair of the GAFSP Steering Committee and former Minister of Agriculture for Rwanda, emphasized that sustainable agricultural transformation depends not only on funding volume but also on financing structures aligned with national priorities and long-term development goals. Eligible applicants for the latest funding round include countries classified as active International Development Association (IDA)-only members under the World Bank system. The initiative also complements the World Bank’s AgriConnect program, which seeks to improve smallholder farmers’ access to digital markets, agricultural inputs, and financial services. By prioritizing countries with weak digital and financial infrastructure, GAFSP aims to ensure that underserved farming communities are not excluded from emerging agricultural technologies and market opportunities. Governments interested in applying for the grants have until September 15, 2026, to submit proposals. Funding awards are expected to be announced in January 2027. Throughout the application period, GAFSP will host informational webinars and maintain updated guidance for applicants through its official platform, GAFSP Official Website. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel 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. 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