The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Mission: Food systems transformation

Hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition remain critical global challenges. 

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Around 733 million people faced hunger in 2023 – equivalent to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa.

With 2.33 billion people facing moderate food insecurity in 2023, transforming food systems is vital for achieving global health, economic stability and sustainable development.

Through this mission, UNOPS is committed to accelerating actions to support food security and healthy diets for all. This includes addressing the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, while promoting environmental sustainability and social equity, and enhancing livelihoods.


How we support

We provide practical solutions in infrastructure, procurement and project management to support governments and partners to strengthen food systems and address global food security challenges. We focus on scalable solutions that support long-term transformation while meeting immediate needs.

  • Enhancing agricultural infrastructure and value chains

    We help our partners develop resilient agricultural infrastructure, support efficient value chains, and promote sustainable farming practices to improve productivity and food access in vulnerable communities.

  • Supporting climate-resilient and sustainable practices

    UNOPS promotes nature-based solutions and climate-smart agriculture to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food production, ensuring long-term food security.

  • President of Nicaragua Mario Abdo Benítez visits one of the local farmers markets.
    Strengthening local capacities and partnerships

    We provide technical assistance and build the capacities of local institutions and communities to manage food systems sustainably, fostering local ownership and resilience.

  • Integrating cross-sectoral approaches for food security

    By combining our expertise in health, water, sanitation and infrastructure, UNOPS delivers integrated projects that address the multifaceted nature of food insecurity.


In action

Promoting food security through sustainable agriculture in Niger

To help tackle food insecurity and promote economic growth, UNOPS constructed and rehabilitated solar-powered irrigation systems as part of a programme funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation and delivered through the Millennium Challenge Account-Niger.


Initiatives we support

Partnerships are crucial to strengthening food security. Explore some of the multi-stakeholder initiatives we support to scale up action.