Global Agriculture and Food Security Program

Description

The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) is a multilateral mechanism launched by the G20 in response to the 2007 to 2008 food price crisis. GAFSP aims to increase investment in food and nutrition security to build sustainable agriculture and food systems, and to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. GAFSP funds projects led by governments or farmers’ organizations in close collaboration with international organizations, which provide financial and technical support and oversight of projects and programs.

Use of Funds

GAFSP provides competitive grants and blended finance. It works to provide predictable, transparent, long-term investments that increase agricultural production, link farmers to markets, reduce risk and vulnerability, and improve rural livelihoods and nutrition.

Justification

• At the end of 2021, GASFP had a $2 billion portfolio comprising 190 public and private sector projects in 50 low-income countries.
• As of 2021, GAFSP:
  • Reached over 16 million smallholder farmers, their families, and communities.
  • 40% of all people reached were women.
  • Increased access to more nutritious and diverse diets for 4 million people.
• Close to 60% of GAFSP’s public sector projects focus on nutrition, providing $193 million in support, while close to 50% of GASFP’s public sector funding, comprising $563 million, supports climate co-benefits.
• In its first 10 years, GAFSP provided financing to 13 million farmers and families, including 5 million women and girls.