Farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia will receive backing from the Gates Foundation.

According to a news release, the foundation, chaired by billionaire Bill Gates, will invest $1.4 billion over four years to support farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia who are battling climate change and whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.

Supporting these farmers is vital not only for regional preservation but also for global food security, as one-third of the world’s food supply comes from low-resourced countries. So, disruptions could have a widespread effect.

“Smallholder farmers are feeding their communities under the toughest conditions imaginable,” Gates said in the news release. “We’re supporting their ingenuity with the tools and resources to help them thrive — because investing in their resilience is one of the smartest, most impactful things we can do for people and the planet.”

The $1.4 billion investment will support digital advisory services such as mobile apps and SMS tools that will ensure they have information for guidance and risk management, per the news release. Additionally, the foundation will provide crops that can withstand climate change. Lastly, the funds will restore degraded land and lower emissions through a $30 million partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

To ensure success, local researchers, governments, and private-sector partners will work alongside the foundation.

“Climate adaptation is not just a development issue — it’s an economic and moral imperative,” said Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation.

“This new commitment builds on our support for farmers in Africa and South Asia who are already innovating to withstand extreme weather. But they can’t do it alone — governments and the private sector must work together to prioritize adaptation alongside mitigation,” Suzman continued.

Wanjeri Mbugua, CEO of TomorrowNow, commented:

“We’ve seen what’s possible when smallholder farmers have access to the right tools and resources — they adapt faster than anyone. With the right investment and strong partnerships, we can put powerful, data-driven solutions directly in farmers’ hands — so they can make informed decisions and build resilience on their own terms.”