KATHMANDU, JUNE 9
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, has launched the implementation phase of the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) in Nepal to strengthen climate resilience and food security.
The programme will support local startups in piloting and scaling climate-smart solutions, including solar-powered irrigation, digital advisory services for farmers, satellite-based insurance, climate data tools and market innovations for smallholder farmers.
Following an open call that attracted 278 applications, four Nepali startups-aQysta Nepal, DV Excellus, Gham Power and PlantSat-were selected for the initiative and will receive technical support, mentorship and funding over the next nine months.
Speaking at the launch, WFP Nepal Country Director Riaz Lodhi said innovation is critical to helping communities adapt to climate shocks and safeguarding livelihoods. Agriculture Secretary Dr Govinda Prasad Sharma stressed the need to scale locally relevant and sustainable climate adaptation solutions.
The programme is part of a global initiative supported by the Adaptation Fund and aims to promote climate-resilient food systems while advancing the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.