The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced an additional $26 billion in funding to enhance food security across Asia and the Pacific, raising its total commitment under an eight-year plan to $40 billion.

In a statement released on Sunday, the ADB said the expanded financial support is aimed at strengthening long-term food and nutrition security in a region increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks, supply chain disruptions, and environmental degradation.

The updated Food Security Support Plan (FSSP), which spans from 2022 to 2030, will cover all stages of the food supply chain. The initiative seeks to provide policy and financial support to ADB member countries, helping them ensure a stable and accessible supply of nutritious food.

“Unprecedented droughts, floods, and extreme heat are threatening food production, damaging natural resources, and putting rural livelihoods at risk,” said ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa. “This expanded support will help countries improve food quality, enhance resilience, and protect the environment.”

Key objectives of expanded support

Ensure access to affordable and nutritious food
Strengthen agricultural supply chains
Reduce environmental impacts of food production
Promote sustainable farming practices
Create job opportunities in rural areas
Empower farmers and agribusinesses

The ADB emphasized that the funding will support a comprehensive and integrated approach to food security — from farm to fork — with a strong focus on sustainability and climate resilience.

The additional $26 billion investment comes at a critical time as climate-related disasters, such as severe floods and prolonged droughts, continue to disrupt agricultural output across the region.

Long-term vision

With this financial boost, the ADB aims to not only tackle immediate food insecurity but also to build resilient food systems that can withstand future shocks and adapt to a changing climate.

The bank’s expanded commitment highlights the urgent need for regional cooperation, policy reforms, and investments that prioritize agriculture, nutrition, and rural development.