Deadline: 09-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting applications to implement innovative post-harvest, storage, and trade solutions that strengthen livelihoods and market access for smallholder farmers. The program supports Community Grain Banks, agricultural finance institutions, digital advisory tools, and structured market linkages to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security. Partners must submit a complete proposal package aligned with AFTI Output 3 objectives.
Program Overview
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking implementing partners to support smallholder farmers through innovative agricultural market systems, post-harvest technologies, and financial inclusion mechanisms.
This initiative contributes to AFTI Output 3, which focuses on reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening market linkages through innovation and infrastructure utilization.
The program promotes:
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Sustainable livelihoods
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Community mobilization
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Market-based agricultural development
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Technical and vocational education and training (TVET)
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Co-existence and inclusive local economic growth
Core Objective: AFTI Output 3
The primary objective is to improve agricultural productivity, storage efficiency, and structured market access for smallholder farmers.
The program integrates infrastructure, finance, digital innovation, and inclusive governance to create sustainable agricultural ecosystems.
Key Intervention Areas
1. Community Grain Banks (CGBs)
Partners will operationalize and manage Community Grain Banks within existing warehouse structures.
Objectives include:
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Improving storage efficiency
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Reducing post-harvest losses
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Enhancing food availability
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Stabilizing prices through structured storage systems
These systems strengthen farmer bargaining power and reduce distress sales.
2. Community Agricultural Finance Institutions (CAFIs)
CAFIs will function as enhanced Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
They will provide:
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Access to agricultural credit
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Input financing
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Financial literacy training
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Digital payment services
CAFIs aim to increase financial inclusion and capital access for rural producers.
3. Structured B2B Market Linkages
The program will establish structured business-to-business (B2B) linkages connecting:
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Farmer organizations
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Women-led cooperatives
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Bulk buyers
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Food processors
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Aggregators
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Market platforms
This reduces middlemen dependency and improves price realization.
4. Innovative Post-Harvest Technologies
Deployment of modern agricultural technologies, including:
These technologies improve product quality and reduce quantitative and qualitative losses.
5. Digital Extension and Advisory Tools
The initiative supports integration of digital agriculture solutions such as:
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AI-enabled advisory applications
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Market information systems
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Digital farmer registration platforms
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Extension support through mobile tools
Implementation may involve partnerships with private sector technology firms.
6. Infrastructure Utilization
Partners will operationalize WFP-supported infrastructure, including:
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Warehouses
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Irrigation systems
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Poultry production units
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Aquaculture clusters
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Community-managed production hubs
Maximizing use of existing infrastructure improves cost efficiency and sustainability.
7. Gender and Youth Inclusion
The program prioritizes inclusive participation by ensuring:
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Equitable representation in governance structures
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Women’s leadership in cooperatives
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Youth engagement in enterprise management
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Equal access to financial and market opportunities
Inclusion is a cross-cutting requirement.
Who Should Apply?
Eligible partners are expected to have:
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Experience in smallholder agricultural development
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Capacity to manage community-based financial institutions
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Expertise in post-harvest and value chain development
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Experience in digital agriculture or partnerships with tech providers
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Strong governance and reporting systems
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Commitment to gender and youth inclusion
Applicants must demonstrate operational readiness and alignment with AFTI objectives.
Why This Program Matters
1. Reduces Post-Harvest Losses
Post-harvest losses significantly affect farmer income and food security. Improved storage and drying technologies increase efficiency and profitability.
2. Strengthens Market Systems
Structured B2B linkages ensure stable market access and better price discovery.
3. Promotes Financial Inclusion
CAFIs enable rural farmers to access credit, inputs, and digital financial services.
4. Leverages Digital Innovation
AI-enabled advisory systems and digital platforms modernize agricultural extension services.
5. Encourages Sustainable Livelihoods
By integrating infrastructure, finance, and market access, the initiative builds long-term resilience.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Infrastructure Activation
Existing WFP-supported infrastructure is activated and managed effectively.
Step 2: Financial Systems Strengthening
CAFIs are established or enhanced to provide financial access.
Step 3: Technology Deployment
Innovative post-harvest and digital solutions are introduced.
Step 4: Market Integration
Structured B2B agreements connect farmers directly to buyers.
Step 5: Monitoring and Inclusion
Gender, youth, and governance structures are monitored for equity and performance.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a complete proposal package.
Submission Requirements
The application must include:
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AFTI_CP self-evaluation form
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Narrative proposal
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Budget proposal
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Detailed work plan
All documents must be compiled into a single enclosed ZIP folder.
Templates provided by WFP must be used.
Incomplete submissions may not be considered.
What Makes a Strong Proposal?
Competitive applications typically demonstrate:
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Clear strategy to reduce post-harvest losses
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Operational plan for Community Grain Banks
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Financial sustainability model for CAFIs
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Concrete B2B market linkage framework
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Integration of digital agriculture tools
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Strong gender and youth inclusion strategy
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Measurable performance indicators
Alignment with AFTI Output 3 objectives is essential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting incomplete documentation
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Ignoring gender and youth inclusion requirements
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Failing to demonstrate infrastructure management capacity
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Providing vague digital innovation plans
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Lack of measurable targets
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Not using required templates
Ensure compliance before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main goal of this WFP call?
To reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen structured market linkages for smallholder farmers through innovative solutions.
2. What are Community Grain Banks?
They are community-managed storage systems that improve grain preservation, reduce losses, and stabilize market supply.
3. What are CAFIs?
Community Agricultural Finance Institutions are enhanced Village Savings and Loan Associations that provide credit, financial literacy, and digital financial services.
4. Is digital technology required?
Yes. The program encourages integration of AI-enabled advisory tools, digital market systems, and registration platforms.
5. Are women and youth inclusion mandatory?
Yes. Equitable representation and leadership inclusion are program requirements.
6. What must be included in the application?
Applicants must submit the AFTI_CP self-evaluation form, narrative proposal, budget proposal, and work plan in a ZIP folder.
7. Can private sector firms be involved?
Yes. Partnerships with private firms, particularly for digital tools and technology deployment, are encouraged.
Conclusion
This World Food Programme initiative represents a comprehensive approach to strengthening smallholder farmer livelihoods through post-harvest innovation, financial inclusion, and structured market integration.
By combining infrastructure utilization, digital transformation, gender inclusion, and financial access, the program aims to create sustainable agricultural value chains. Organizations with strong technical capacity and community-based experience are encouraged to submit complete and well-aligned proposals to support AFTI Output 3.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.