The World Bank Group has launched a landmark global initiative called “AgriConnect”, designed to transform the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and strengthen agricultural value chains across developing nations. Through this program, the World Bank has pledged to double its agribusiness investments to US $9 billion annually by 2030, marking one of the largest financial commitments to agricultural development in recent years.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers
The AgriConnect initiative seeks to make smallholder farms commercially viable by improving access to finance, markets, and technology. It focuses on helping farmers transition from subsistence-level production to market-oriented agriculture, integrating them into global value chains and enhancing rural employment opportunities.
Climate-Smart and Inclusive Growth
A core pillar of AgriConnect is the promotion of climate-smart agriculture—encouraging farmers to adopt practices that reduce emissions, increase resilience to climate change, and improve soil and water management. The initiative also emphasizes gender inclusion, ensuring that women farmers have equal access to resources, training, and financial support.
Shifting Global Development Priorities
According to development experts, AgriConnect represents a major shift in agricultural financing—moving from short-term food security projects toward sustainable agribusiness growth and job creation. By mobilizing both public and private investment, the initiative aims to stimulate innovation and scale up technologies suited for local conditions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Opportunities for Governments and Agribusiness
For governments, development partners, and private sector stakeholders, AgriConnect opens new avenues for collaboration, co-financing, and technical assistance. It encourages public-private partnerships (PPPs) to build resilient food systems capable of supporting rural economies and meeting global food demand sustainably.
Toward a Resilient Agricultural Future
With AgriConnect, the World Bank signals its long-term commitment to agricultural transformation as a driver of inclusive economic growth. By empowering smallholder farmers and integrating them into profitable value chains, the initiative aims to build a more resilient, productive, and sustainable global agriculture sector by the end of the decade.
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