About
We believe global hunger is solvable. Feed the Future is working to solve it through partnerships and innovation. Our model was born from an understanding that business as usual was not going to create the sustainable, long-term change needed to end chronic hunger and poverty. So, we forged a new approach. We bring together partners from across sectors and the U.S. Government to use each of our unique skills and insights in a targeted, coordinated way to help countries that are ripe for transformation change the way their food systems work.
Ending global hunger is one the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time. More than 800 million people across the world go to bed hungry each night. To meet the needs of a growing population, global food production needs to increase without increasing the need for resources to do so. Hunger and poverty are inextricably linked, robbing people of healthy and productive lives and stunting the mental and physical development of future generations. And while the world has made progress in reducing global hunger and poverty over the past decade, there is still more to do.
As the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative, Feed the Future works to give families and communities in some of the world’s poorest countries the freedom and opportunity to lift themselves out of food insecurity and malnutrition. By equipping people with the knowledge and tools to feed themselves, we are addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger, helping people end their reliance on aid, and creating important opportunities for a new generation of young people—all while building a more stable world.
Where We Work & Why
Feed the Future invests in countries that are committed to improving their own food security and nutrition. Our selection is based on:
- Level of need
- Potential for our programs to spur growth
- Opportunities for partnership
- Opportunities for regional efficiencies
- Host government commitment
- Resource availability
Our Target Countries
The U.S. Government also coordinates activities and support across a set of aligned countries and at the regional level in Asia, Central America, and East, Southern and West Africa to improve food security and nutrition through Feed the Future.
Country Ownership
We believe the best development solutions are the ones that continuously empower others to get in the game and carry the work forward. Feed the Future helps partner country governments create better policy and organization for food security and nutrition to ultimately help them move from vulnerability to self-reliance.
Private Sector Partnerships
Lasting change requires progress driven by private sector investment, a healthy business environment, and strong market systems. Feed the Future works closely with the private sector to foster economic growth and establish well-functioning, connected markets.
Research & Innovation
Research in agriculture is one of the most effective of all investments at reducing poverty, hunger and malnutrition. Feed the Future invests in research and develops innovation that are critical to the future of agriculture in developing countries, as well as America, through a network of U.S. universities and international and national research centers.
Resilience for the Future
To guarantee lasting food security for future generations and reduce the need for costly humanitarian aid in the future, Feed the Future bridges the gap between humanitarian and development efforts by helping vulnerable communities and regions build resilience to complex risks, including addressing the root causes of recurrent food crises.
Our Partners
Tackling global hunger requires an “all hands on deck” approach. Feed the Future represents a broad partnership that draws on the expertise, resources, talents and dedication of numerous organizations, companies and individuals.
U.S. Government
We draw on the skills of the U.S. Agency for International Development; U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Interior, Treasury and State; Millennium Challenge Corporation; Overseas Private Investment Corporation; Peace Corps; U.S. African Development Foundation; and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
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Businesses
We work with businesses small and large, from farmers themselves to cooperatives, agribusinesses, banks, entrepreneurs and more. More than 60 of these partners are U.S. companies, and 10 are Fortune 500 companies.
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Partner Governments
We focus our resources in countries that have great need, great potential for growth, and strong commitment to working with us to fight hunger and poverty.
Research & Universities
We draw on the best of American expertise in agriculture through a network of 24 Feed the Future Innovation Labs that involve more than 70 U.S. universities and colleges. Our research partnerships also include international and national research centers and institutions.
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Nonprofit & NGO
We work hand in hand with farmers organizations, non-profits, and community and faith-based groups, among others, to empower people to take ownership of their own advancement.
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Everyday Americans
From food processing experts at General Mills to farmers, ranchers, teachers and agriculture enthusiasts across the United States, our programs benefit from the time and expertise of American volunteers.
Our Leaders
Feed the Future’s deputy coordinator for development at USAID drives the interagency process, ensuring relevant U.S. Government agencies and departments are engaged in formulating policies, strategies and monitoring criteria for Feed the Future.
Beth Dunford
Deputy Coordinator for Development for Feed the Future, Assistant to the Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Food Security