ADB Surpasses $14 Billion Food Security Commitment to Transform Asia’s Food Systems

ADB confirmed it will provide $26 billion in additional financing between 2026 and 2030, building on its earlier commitments.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has exceeded its $14 billion commitment to strengthen food security across Asia and the Pacific between 2022 and 2025, marking a major milestone as it scales up efforts to transform the region’s food systems through a new $40 billion agenda by 2030.

Announcing the achievement at the Asia and the Pacific Food Systems Forum 2026, ADB President Masato Kanda said the region stands at a critical juncture as it faces growing challenges from climate change, population growth and food insecurity.

“Food systems in Asia and the Pacific are at a turning point,” Kanda said.

“ADB delivered more than $14 billion from 2022–2025, reaching 62 million farmers and creating over 500,000 jobs. Now we are scaling up to a $40 billion agenda through 2030.”

Expanding Investment to $40 Billion by 2030

ADB confirmed it will provide $26 billion in additional financing between 2026 and 2030, building on its earlier commitments.

Combined with private sector mobilization and partnerships, the bank aims to mobilize a total of $40 billion by 2030 to support food system transformation.

The expanded funding will focus on:

• Strengthening food security and agricultural productivity

• Enhancing climate resilience across agrifood systems

• Supporting inclusive rural growth and employment

• Increasing private sector participation in agriculture

ADB aims to reach more than 190 million smallholder farmers by the end of the decade.

From Food Security to Food Systems Transformation

ADB’s new strategy marks a shift from isolated agricultural interventions to a more integrated food systems approach.

This includes strengthening entire value chains—from production and processing to distribution and consumption—while promoting sustainable practices.

Officials say the approach will help ensure that food systems:

• Nourish growing populations

• Protect natural ecosystems

• Create jobs and income opportunities in rural areas

Regional Investment Focus

The forum highlighted major regional investment plans under ADB’s food systems programme, including:

• Up to $8 billion in Southeast Asia

• $7 billion in South Asia

• $3.5 billion in Central and West Asia

• $7.5 billion in private sector operations

Country-level initiatives discussed include:

• Indonesia Food Systems Investment Platform

• Philippines Agribusiness Investment Vehicle

• India Rural Prosperity and Resilience Program

These programmes are designed to drive national-level transformation through coordinated investments and policy reforms.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

ADB also announced a series of new partnerships and agreements aimed at accelerating food system transformation.

Key agreements include:

• Collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) to integrate nutrition into food systems

• Partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to advance regional food system reforms

ADB is also expanding cooperation with global development and innovation partners.

Digital and Climate Innovations for Farmers

At the forum, ADB is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the AIM for Scale Initiative, in partnership with the Gates Foundation and the United Arab Emirates, to enhance:

• Weather advisory services

• Digital tools for farmers and herders

These technologies aim to help farmers adapt to climate variability and improve productivity.

ADB will also collaborate with the World Bank to support agribusiness and fresh produce markets in Papua New Guinea.

Nature-Positive and Climate-Smart Agriculture

As part of its sustainability push, ADB is introducing new frameworks to promote nature-positive investments in agriculture.

This includes:

• A guidance note on natural capital to support sustainable investment decisions

• Expansion of the ADB–CGIAR Clearinghouse Facility, supported by the Gates Foundation, to integrate innovations such as landscape crop assessment into low-carbon agriculture programmes

ADB is also launching a regional collaboration platform with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other partners to coordinate food system initiatives.

A Critical Moment for Asia’s Food Future

With rising food demand, climate pressures and rural economic challenges, ADB officials say transforming food systems is essential to ensuring long-term stability and prosperity in the region.

The bank’s expanded investment plan signals a major push to move beyond traditional food security approaches toward resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems.

By combining large-scale financing, technological innovation and international partnerships, ADB aims to reshape how food is produced, distributed and consumed across Asia and the Pacific.