About the programme
The CGIAR Scaling for Impact (S4I) Program, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) Innovation Accelerator, launched the Stability and Peace Accelerator III (SAPA III) to identify and support high-impact innovations that strengthen food security and resilience in fragile and conflict-affected settings (FCAS).
SAPA III builds on the success of SAPA I (implemented under the CGIAR Fragility Conflict and Migration (FCM) Initiative) and SAPA II (implemented under the CGIAR Food Frontiers and Security Program). The program is delivered through the WFP Innovation Accelerator and CGIAR, working through the IWMI and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). It combines CGIAR’s scientific expertise with the WFP Innovation Accelerator's experience in accelerating and scaling innovations. SAPA III focuses on strengthening local seed and crop systems, improving resilience for pastoral and farming communities, and supporting sustainable livelihoods in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
The WFP Innovation Accelerator and CGIAR selected four ventures with solutions addressing climate information services, forage production and seed systems, solar-powered irrigation, and agricultural livelihoods. Ventures receive up to USD 25,000 in grant funding to implement a three-month sprint, alongside tailored innovation coaching, technical mentoring, and implementation support. Scientific guidance from CGIAR research centres supports each venture in refining and validating its approach in complex operating environments.
These innovations have the potential to improve food security, strengthen agricultural value chains, increase access to water and climate information, and create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers and pastoral communities. By combining local knowledge, technology and sustainable business models, they contribute to more resilient food systems in some of the world's most challenging contexts.
Selected innovations
Four ventures were selected to participate in a two-month acceleration programme with CGIAR and the WFP Innovation Accelerator.
Green Agro Solution PLC (“Lersha”)
Green Agro-Solution PLC operates Lersha, a "phygital" platform that combines a mobile app with local agent networks to provide smallholder farmers with climate information, agricultural advice, market linkages and access to services. With existing support from WFP, Lersha is piloting a multi-channel early warning communication system that delivers timely alerts to pastoral communities through SMS, interactive voice response (IVR) and local agent networks. The initiative aims to strengthen the reach of climate and disaster early warning information for last-mile households in Ethiopia.
Dhaqan Cooperative
Dhaqan Cooperative operates an integrated model that combines drought-tolerant fodder cultivation, livestock fattening and horticulture. Through irrigated forage production and community-based enterprise development, the cooperative helps stabilize feed supply and strengthen livestock productivity. Under SAPA III, Dhaqan is testing a hub-and-spoke forage seed and fodder model that will train local producers, establish demonstration plots and strengthen access to quality forage seed and conserved fodder.
NimsyAgro Solar
NimsyAgro Solar provides portable solar-powered irrigation systems designed for smallholder farmers. Its model combines foldable solar panels, irrigation equipment and flexible financing options with local maintenance and support networks. Through SAPA III, the venture is deploying solar irrigation systems to farmers in Nigeria while providing training, technical support and market linkages. The initiative aims to improve productivity, strengthen livelihoods and increase access to climate-resilient water solutions.
Babban Gona
Babban Gona is a farmer-owned franchise network that provides training, high-quality inputs and market access to smallholder producers. The organisation combines local ownership models with digital tools and agricultural extension services to improve productivity and resilience. Through SAPA III, Babban Gona is piloting a poultry production programme for young women in northern Nigeria, creating livelihood opportunities while testing a model that can be replicated in fragile settings.
Priority areas
For SAPA III, CGIAR and the WFP Innovation Accelerator sought innovations that strengthen food security and resilience in fragile and conflict-affected settings, with a particular focus on Ethiopia and Nigeria. The programme focused on practical, scalable solutions that can improve livelihoods, strengthen agricultural systems and increase resilience to climate and economic shocks.
Ethiopia
Resilient seed, forage and livestock systems
Examples may include community-based forage production, local seed multiplication, rangeland restoration, water-efficient fodder systems, livestock productivity solutions, or innovations that strengthen resilience for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.
Nigeria
Climate-resilient agriculture, water access and livelihoods
Examples may include solar-powered irrigation systems, community water services, climate information solutions, agricultural value-chain innovations, poultry and dairy production models, market linkages, or technologies that increase productivity and incomes for smallholder farmers.
Cross-cutting priorities
Market linkages and circular economy approaches
Examples may include processing and value-addition solutions, circular economy business models, community-based enterprises, climate-smart agriculture, and innovations that improve access to markets while strengthening local food systems and economic opportunities.
