ADB to Boost Food Security Support to \$40B by 2030

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced plans to scale up its support for food and nutrition security in Asia and the Pacific, increasing its total funding to $40 billion for the period 2022–2030. This marks a $26 billion boost to its original commitment, with the expanded initiative set to fund a comprehensive approach covering the entire food value chain—from production and processing to distribution and consumption.

The support will come in the form of financing and policy assistance for both governments and private enterprises. ADB aims to enhance food diversity and nutrition, generate employment, reduce environmental impacts, and build resilient agricultural supply chains. Speaking at ADB’s 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, President Masato Kanda noted that escalating climate extremes and natural resource degradation are threatening food security and rural livelihoods. The expanded program, he said, is designed to combat hunger, improve diets, and promote environmental sustainability while supporting farmers and agribusinesses across the region.

This new funding initiative builds on ADB’s 2022 pledge to invest $14 billion by 2025 to address the regional food crisis. As of the end of 2024, ADB had already committed $11 billion—about 80% of the initial target—with a further $3.3 billion planned for 2025. The newly announced $26 billion includes $18.5 billion in direct public sector support and $7.5 billion in private sector investments. By 2030, ADB aims for private investment to make up over 27% of the total program.

With more than half of the world’s undernourished population residing in developing Asia, ADB emphasizes the urgent need for food systems transformation. The program will focus on modernizing agricultural value chains, improving access to nutritious and affordable food for vulnerable groups, and investing in environmental sustainability—including soil health and biodiversity conservation.

ADB also plans to develop digital technologies and analytics to support smarter decision-making in farming and agribusiness. To bolster nature-positive initiatives, it is establishing a $150 million Natural Capital Fund with initial backing from the Global Environment Facility and expected contributions from other partners such as the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program. This fund will support projects that protect, restore, and manage natural resources sustainably.

As a multilateral development bank, ADB continues to lead efforts in promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific, working with partners to deliver impactful solutions for today’s most pressing challenges.