A The GAFSP (Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme) has launched a grant programme worth 163 million dollars with the key aim of strengthening global food security and providing structured support to smallholder farmers. This investment comes at a time when food supply chains are facing significant pressures, exacerbated by climate change and international economic instability. Cape Verde, given its resilience and need for agricultural modernisation, is positioned as a strategic beneficiary of these initiatives.

A Focus on Sustainability and Resilience

The funding aims to democratise access to more efficient production technologies, promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve the distribution of local produce to markets. For smallholder farmers, particularly in arid regions or those with water scarcity, these funds represent an opportunity to invest in drip irrigation systems, renewable energy and farming techniques that increase productivity without depleting the soil.

Support Tailored to the Context of Cape Verde

In Cape Verde, strengthening the primary sector is vital to reducing dependence on imports and promoting a circular economy between the islands. Support from the GAFSP will enable producers’ associations and local institutions to access investment capital in order to:

• Technical Training: Intensive training on crop management and access to regional markets.
• Digital Innovation: Integration of technological tools for monitoring water availability and weather conditions.
• Access to Infrastructure: Construction and refurbishment of post-harvest processing and storage centres, thereby reducing food waste.

Long-Term Impact

The success of this programme will be measured not only by the amount of funding distributed, but by its ability to create resilient food systems. By empowering local producers, the GAFSP contributes directly to the eradication of extreme poverty and to the stability of rural communities, ensuring that economic development is inclusive and environmentally responsible.

Deadline for submission: 15 September 2026.

Link to application: https://www.gafspfund.org/news/gafsp-opens-163m-grants-program-bolster-food-security-worlds-poorest-farmers