The focus areas of the initiative include food security and market analysis/vulnerability analysis and mapping (VAM), microfinance, microcredit and revolving loan funds, self-reliance, and smallholder agricultural market support.
The programme aims to assist smallholder farmers through critical climate adaptation assets that improve production, aggregation, and processing. Partners are expected to design their proposals based on recommendations from exit and sustainability plans developed in early 2025, while ensuring full consultation with local stakeholders and target communities. All proposed activities must undergo Environmental and Social Screening (ESS) following WFP’s guidelines, with corresponding Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) developed and implemented.
The main activities under the programme include upgrading existing gardens into fully functional Village Business Units (VBUs), establishing a mechanization revolving fund, rehabilitating damaged community assets, and improving storage and commodity aggregation points. The VBUs will serve as centers of excellence promoting rural industrialization through technology and value addition. The mechanization fund will support farmers with machinery such as chopper grinders, wheel tractors, and post-harvest processing equipment, with repayment at low interest rates over a 12-month period.
Capacity strengthening efforts will focus on promoting indigenous chicken value chains, mechanized conservation agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and watershed protection. Trainings will be conducted in collaboration with the Department of Mechanization, Agritex, and Women’s Affairs to enhance skills in pest management, livestock production, apiculture, and pasture management.
The initiative will also support documentation of success stories, district-level dialogues, and resilience bootcamps to institutionalize learnings and strengthen policy integration.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
