What is Food Security?

The World Bank's key priority is to strengthen safety nets for vulnerable populations, ensuring they are accessible to essential resources like food, water, and financial assistance. This involves providing expedited emergency support through existing projects to respond to crises, such as natural disasters or economic downturns.

Engaging with Partners and Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture

The Bank collaborates with countries and development partners to address food security challenges. Through initiatives like the Famine Action Mechanism and the Agriculture Observatory, the Bank provides rapid country diagnostics, data-based monitoring, and strategic partnerships.

To enhance the competence of food systems, the Bank promotes farming systems that employ climate-smart techniques and produce a diverse range of foods. This approach not only improves farm incomes but also increases the availability and affordability of nutrient-dense foods.

Improving Supply Chains and Applying a One-Health Approach

The Bank recognizes the importance of efficient supply chains in reducing post-harvest food losses, ensuring food safety, and connecting production centers with consumption markets. By improving hygiene practices in food distribution channels and strengthening linkages between producers and consumers, the Bank aims to enhance food system efficiency.

Furthermore, the Bank advocates for an integrated "One Health" approach to managing risks associated with animal, human, and environmental health. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of these three areas and emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to prevent and control diseases.

Supporting Long-Term Global Food Security Programs

The World Bank houses the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), a global financing instrument that pools donor funds and targets additional agricultural development across the entire value chain. Since its launch in 2010, GAFSP has supported millions of smallholder farmers and their families through grant funding, agribusiness investment projects, and small-scale grants.   

In addition to GAFSP, the Bank supports the CGIAR, a global research partnership that advances agricultural science and innovation to boost food and nutrition security.

The World Bank's multifaceted approach to addressing global food insecurity is essential for ensuring access to sufficient and nutritious food. By strengthening safety nets, promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving supply chains, and supporting long-term programs, the Bank is making a significant contribution to building a more resilient and equitable food system for the future