ADB Expands Food Security Support in Asia-Pacific by $26 b

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced an additional $26 billion to bolster food and nutrition security in Asia and the Pacific, raising its total commitment to $40 billion for the 2022–2030 period.

Unveiled at ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, the expanded funding will support the entire food value chain—from production and processing to distribution and consumption. The programme aims to promote diverse, nutritious food, create jobs, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

“Unprecedented droughts, floods, extreme heat, and degraded natural resources are undermining agricultural production and threatening food security,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “This expanded support will help countries alleviate hunger, improve diets, and protect natural ecosystems.”

The new initiative builds on ADB’s 2022 pledge of $14 billion by 2025, of which $11 billion has already been committed, with a further $3.3 billion scheduled for 2025. The additional $26 billion includes $18.5 billion in direct government support and $7.5 billion for private sector investment.

By 2030, ADB aims for private investment to make up over 27% of the total $40 billion, highlighting its importance in transforming food systems. The programme also addresses biodiversity loss, malnutrition, and climate threats, which are straining regional food systems.

Key initiatives include modernising agricultural value chains, improving soil quality, conserving biodiversity, and leveraging digital technologies for better decision-making in farming and agribusiness.

ADB is also launching a $150 million Natural Capital Fund, supported by the Global Environment Facility and other partners, to finance agri-food projects that sustainably manage and restore natural resources.