The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) has announced a US$163 million global grants programme to tackle hunger, strengthen climate resilience, and support smallholder farmers in vulnerable nations.  

This comes at a critical time: global hunger levels are rising due to conflict, climate shocks, economic instability, and declining aid. In 2025, 266 million people across 47 countries faced acute food insecurity, nearly double the rate of a decade ago.  

Hosted by the World Bank, GAFSP is a multilateral financing mechanism established in 2010 to combat hunger and strengthen agricultural systems in low‑income countries. Since inception, it has mobilized over US$2.46 billion in donor contributions and supported projects in 53 countries, improving food security, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience.  

2026 Grants Programme Overview

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 prioritizes fragile and conflict-affected states, which already account for 60% of GAFSP’s portfolio.  

Several African nations qualify under the World Bank’s IDA‑only framework. Examples include:  

Ethiopia – facing climate shocks and conflict‑related disruptions.  
Malawi – battling high malnutrition rates and rural poverty.  
Mozambique – vulnerable to cyclones and climate instability.  
Sierra Leone – rebuilding agricultural systems post‑conflict.  
South Sudan – struggling with displacement and fragile institutions.  
Uganda – addressing refugee inflows and rural food insecurity.  
Zambia – facing droughts and declining agricultural productivity.  
Zimbabwe – socio-economic instability and food shortages.  

The 2026 funding round seeks integrated agricultural solutions that combine multiple development goals:  

– Food security improvement , Climate resilience , Nutrition enhancement  
– Women’s empowerment, Sustainable farming systems ,Rural economic development  

Impact Example: Liberia’s US$46.5 million Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Project benefited 155,000 people through modern farming inputs, rural road investments, and cooperative strengthening. It also reintegrated displaced populations and ex‑combatants — showing how GAFSP funding can transform fragile states.  

The US$163 million GAFSP grants programme is more than funding — it is a strategic lifeline for fragile states and vulnerable farming communities. By prioritizing smallholder farmers, women, and climate‑resilient systems, it aims to transform food systems and secure rural livelihoods across Africa and beyond.