The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, has launched a new Climate Innovation Accelerator aimed at strengthening food security and climate resilience across the country. The initiative marks the start of the implementation phase of the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) programme in Nepal.
The accelerator is designed to support local startups developing climate-smart solutions for agriculture and food systems. These innovations include solar-powered irrigation systems, clean energy technologies, digital advisory platforms for farmers, satellite-based insurance tools, and climate data-driven services intended to help smallholder farmers respond to increasingly severe climate risks.
Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and extreme weather events that threaten agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. The new programme aims to help communities adapt by scaling locally developed solutions that can improve resilience across the food system.
Following an open call for applications that attracted nearly 300 submissions, four Nepalese startups were selected to participate in the accelerator programme. These companies will receive technical assistance, mentorship, and funding over a nine-month period to pilot and refine their solutions with the goal of scaling successful models nationwide.
Officials involved in the initiative say the programme represents a shift toward strengthening innovation ecosystems by connecting government, development partners, and private sector actors. The focus is on turning early-stage pilot projects into scalable solutions that can deliver long-term impact for vulnerable communities.
Government representatives emphasized the importance of locally driven adaptation strategies, noting that climate resilience efforts must be tailored to Nepal’s diverse geography and agricultural systems. International partners also highlighted the potential for Nepal to serve as a testing ground for innovative approaches to climate adaptation.
The AFCIA programme is part of a broader global effort supported by the Adaptation Fund, aiming to accelerate climate innovation in regions most affected by environmental change while contributing to global development goals, including Zero Hunger and improved food security.
