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Gates Foundation Launches Initiative to Support Small Farmers Resilience Against Extreme Weather

On November 11, 2025, during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the Gates Foundation revealed a transformative initiative aimed at empowering smallholder farmers facing the harsh realities of extreme weather events. With a groundbreaking investment of $1.4 billion over four years, this commitment addresses the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies that can bolster the resilience of these farmers, ensuring their essential role in combating poverty and maintaining food security is safeguarded.

Bill Gates, the chairman of the Gates Foundation, highlighted the critical importance of small farmers, stating, “They feed their communities under conditions that can only be described as challenging. By equipping them with the necessary tools and resources, we can enhance their ability to thrive. Investing in their resilience is not only a smart move but also one of the most impactful things we can do for both people and the planet.”

The Context of the Initiative

In regions like sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where agriculture is the backbone of both food security and livelihoods, smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable to climatic shocks, such as droughts, floods, and rising temperatures. Alarmingly, less than 1% of global climate financing currently addresses the escalating threats to these critical food systems. The newly announced investment is poised to change this trajectory, expanding access to vital innovations that can help farmers adapt to their rapidly changing environments.

The foundation's initiative aligns with Bill Gates's vision outlined in a recent memo, emphasizing the prioritization of climate investments that maximize impact on communities, with the ultimate goal of lifting millions out of poverty by 2045. The need for urgent action is underscored by alarming findings: smallholder farmers produce one-third of the world’s food yet face an array of increasing climate threats that could obliterate hard-won progress against hunger and poverty.

Tackling the Funding Gap

Research from the World Bank reveals that targeted investments in climate adaptation could boost GDP in vulnerable regions by as much as 15 percentage points by 2050. Moreover, the World Resources Institute estimates that every dollar spent on climate adaptation yields more than $10 in social and economic benefits within a decade. Mark Suzman, the CEO of the Gates Foundation, emphasized that “climate adaptation is not just a development issue; it’s an economic and moral imperative.” He reiterated that this latest funding will build on existing efforts supporting farmers in innovation against extreme weather and urged a collaborative approach, stating that both governments and the private sector must prioritize adaptation alongside mitigation strategies.

Scaling Farmer-Led Innovations

The need for immediate financial resources to help farmers adapt is increasingly urgent as climate shocks intensify. According to the UN’s 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition report, Africa was the only region where hunger and malnutrition increased that year. Without significant adaptation measures, agricultural productivity in segments of Africa could plummet by up to 20% by 2050, according to signs from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The foundation’s latest investments will promote farmer-led, evidence-based innovations designed to fortify livelihoods and food systems in rural regions in the face of growing climate threats. This includes:

• - Digital Advisory Services: Mobile apps and SMS platforms will provide timely, personalized information to aid farmers in making informed planting decisions while managing risks. This bolsters initiatives like AIM for Scale, aiming to reach 100 million farmers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America by 2030.
• - Climate-Resilient Crops and Livestock: Promoting varieties that withstand droughts, heat, and emerging pests while enhancing yield and nutritional value.
• - Soil Health Innovations: Approaches to restore damaged soils will not only improve productivity but also reduce emissions. This effort is supported by a $30 million partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation to promote soil scientific research.

Building Global Partnerships

The newly announced commitment expands upon existing partnerships birthed from COP27 pledges and already aims to benefit millions of farmers. For example, the AIM for Scale initiative provided AI-driven SMS weather forecasts to nearly 40 million farmers across 13 states in India during the 2025 monsoon season, protecting vast swathes of crops. Moreover, partnering with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, the TomorrowNow initiative delivers hyper-local weather alerts to over 5 million Kenyan farmers, enhancing yields and reducing losses.

The Gates Foundation collaborates with local researchers, governments, and private sector partners to scale these initiatives, ultimately strengthening rural economies and food systems for the long term. Wanjeri Mbugua, CEO of TomorrowNow, remarked, “We have witnessed what is possible when small farmers have access to the right tools and resources—they adapt faster than anyone else. With the right investments and strong partnerships, we can provide farmers with powerful, data-driven solutions that allow them to make informed decisions and build resilience on their own terms.”

Collaboration at COP30

This investment mirrors a collective global commitment led by African leaders and the Brazilian COP30 presidency, underscoring the importance of prioritizing food, livelihoods, and health in resilience planning. Brazil's model of linking social programs with sustainable agricultural innovations offers valuable insights into how inclusive adaptation can foster equitable growth.

Collaborating with key stakeholders, including Embrapa, AGRA, CGIAR, and others, the foundation will co-host the Agricultural Innovation Showcase at COP30, a high-level event aimed at showcasing affordable, climate-friendly solutions for farmers, many of which have been developed by farmers themselves. More details can be found on their official website.

About the Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation aims to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, the foundation collaborates with partners to create effective solutions that empower individuals to shape their futures and realize their potential. In the United States, it ensures that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities essential for success in school and life. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the foundation operates under the leadership of CEO Mark Suzman and Bill Gates. For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]