A modern $38.75 million grant program, announced by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), aims to bolster the resilience and economic prospects of smallholder farmers across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The funding will support 16 producer organization-led projects in 27 low-income countries, directly benefiting an estimated 175,000 farmers through investments designed to strengthen farmer institutions and improve access to resources.
The initiative comes at a critical time, as global food systems face increasing pressure from climate change, economic instability, and ongoing conflicts. These factors are disproportionately impacting smallholder farmers – those who cultivate small plots of land, often relying on rain-fed agriculture – and threatening food security in vulnerable regions. The GAFSP, since its inception in 2010, has mobilized over $2.44 billion in donor contributions to support agri-food sector projects in 55 countries, demonstrating a long-term commitment to addressing these challenges. This latest allocation builds on that foundation, with a particular focus on empowering farmer-led organizations.
The grants aren’t simply about providing financial assistance; they’re about strengthening the organizations that represent and serve smallholder farmers. According to GAFSP Program Head Shobha Shetty, “Producer organizations unite the many millions of people working across the agrifood sector to ensure small producers can seize new economic opportunities. They help smallholder farmers pool their harvests to negotiate better prices and they provide essential resources for their members.” Investing in these organizations, she argues, will have a “compound impact” on livelihoods, resilience, and future prospects.
Focus on Women and Regional Collaboration
A significant aspect of this funding cycle is its emphasis on gender equality. Recognizing the central role women play in agricultural production – often facing systemic barriers to land ownership, finance, and market access – the GAFSP-funded projects will actively seek to expand opportunities for women across agricultural value chains and strengthen their leadership within producer organizations. This aligns with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the critical need to address gender disparities in agriculture.
For the first time, the GAFSP likewise opened funding opportunities to regional producer organizations, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration across countries and value chains. This move acknowledges the potential for collective learning and the benefits of tackling common challenges through a regional lens. This approach is intended to amplify the impact of individual projects and promote sustainable solutions that can be scaled across borders.
Project Examples: From Benin to Sri Lanka and Haiti
The impact of these grants will be felt on the ground through a diverse range of projects tailored to local needs. In Benin, a $2.5 million grant will support the National Platform of Farmers’ and Agricultural Producers’ Organizations in boosting opportunities for 11,000 young people and women involved in vegetable and poultry farming over the next four years. The project aims to indirectly benefit an additional 66,000 individuals through initiatives promoting agro-ecology, improving land tenure for women, and strengthening 352 producer cooperatives.
Sri Lanka’s Federation of Thrift and Credit Cooperative Societies will receive $2.5 million to enhance climate resilience and market access for 10,000 smallholder farming families in four climate-vulnerable districts: Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Puttalam. The four-year project will provide training in climate-smart agriculture to 7,500 women and 1,500 youth, improve access to financial and insurance services, strengthen market linkages, and support 50 cooperative agribusiness ventures through a business incubator.
In Haiti, the Union of Cocoa Cooperatives of the North will utilize a $2.49 million grant to strengthen livelihoods and climate resilience for small-scale cocoa producers. The four-year project will focus on training 2,000 farmers in climate-resilient cocoa agroforestry, regenerating 500 hectares of land, improving cooperative governance, expanding leadership opportunities for women and youth, and investing in post-harvest infrastructure to access higher-value markets.
Addressing Food Insecurity in West and Central Africa
The funding is particularly crucial for regions facing acute food insecurity. Several projects will target producer organizations in West and Central Africa, where climate shocks, conflict, and economic volatility are exacerbating hunger. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that nearly 55 million people in West Africa and the Sahel could face crisis-level food insecurity during the June-August 2026 lean season. Strengthening farmer cooperatives and improving market access are seen as vital steps towards rebuilding livelihoods and enhancing food security in these vulnerable communities.
Agnes Kalibata, co-chair of the GAFSP Steering Committee and a former Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of these investments. “At a time when development finance for agriculture is under pressure globally, these GAFSP grants will strengthen the institutions that allow smallholders to invest, innovate, and build resilience in the face of multiple shocks.”
The GAFSP’s approach of channeling resources through farmer-led organizations is designed to overcome structural barriers that often hinder smallholder farmers’ access to finance, markets, and technical support. By strengthening local institutions, the program aims to empower farmers to aggregate production, deliver essential services, and advocate for their interests within agricultural value chains and policy discussions.
The next key milestone for these projects will be the commencement of implementation phases, with initial activities expected to start within the next six months. Regular progress reports and impact assessments will be publicly available through the GAFSP website, providing transparency and accountability for the use of funds.
This initiative represents a significant step towards building a more resilient and equitable agricultural system, but sustained investment and collaborative efforts will be crucial to address the complex challenges facing smallholder farmers worldwide. Share your thoughts on the role of producer organizations in strengthening food security in the comments below.
