The bank revealed its enhanced support on May 4, 2025 during the 58th ADB Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy, signaling a strong response to the region’s worsening food insecurity exacerbated by climate change and environmental degradation.
The additional $26 billion in funding will support a comprehensive strategy that spans the entire food production value chain—from farming and food processing to distribution and consumption.
This integrated approach aims to generate diverse, nutritious food, create jobs, reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture, and promote resilient supply chains across developing countries in the region.
“Unprecedented droughts, floods, extreme heat, and degraded natural resources are undermining agricultural production, while at the same time threatening food security and rural livelihoods,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “This expanded support will help countries alleviate hunger, improve diets, and protect the natural environment, while providing opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.”
Comprehensive approach to sustainable agriculture
The program builds upon ADB’s September 2022 commitment of $14 billion through 2025 to address the regional food crisis. By the end of 2024, ADB had already delivered $11 billion of this initial pledge, with $3.3 billion more expected in 2025.
The new commitment includes $18.5 billion in direct ADB support to governments and $7.5 billion in private sector investments, with a goal for private sector contributions to account for 27 percent of the total program by 2030.
More than half of the world’s undernourished population resides in developing Asia, where food systems are burdened by biodiversity loss, rising malnutrition, and unsustainable agricultural practices.
Food production accounts for 70 percent of global water usage, 50 percent of habitable land use, and 80 percent of biodiversity loss, making food system transformation both a climate and humanitarian imperative.
Driving innovation and resilience
ADB’s expanded program will modernize agricultural value chains to improve access to affordable, healthy food, especially for vulnerable communities. It includes investments in soil health, biodiversity conservation, and digital tools that empower farmers and agribusinesses with data-driven decision-making capabilities.
The bank is also launching a Natural Capital Fund, a $150-million blended finance vehicle supported by the Global Environment Facility and additional partners. The fund will back projects that protect and restore natural ecosystems, ensuring that food production becomes more environmentally sustainable over time.
Founded in 1966, the ADB is a leading multilateral development bank owned by 69 members, including 50 from the region. It continues to be a vital partner in solving complex development challenges through innovative financial solutions and cross-sector collaboration. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
