ASTA is a global systems-based programme—co-led by UNIDO and FAO—that assists countries in transforming their agrifood systems by facilitating innovative partnerships and SDG-compliant investments in selected value chains. ASTA designs and implements catalytic systems-based projects that create new opportunities and partnerships at the interface between the public, private and civil society sectors. These projects inherently rely on customized combinations of innovative business models, governance mechanisms, institutions, financing and technologies, all connected through multi-stakeholder platforms. ASTA facilitates the creation of system-based solutions – solutions created within the agrifood system that are self-sustaining, adaptive and resilient.
Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA)
Driving agrifood systems transformation through systems-based solutions, blended finance, innovation and strategic partnerships
Overview
Approach
ASTA develops stakeholder-driven, systems-based solutions that promote partnerships, aiming for positive socio-economic and environmental transformations.
ASTA applies a systems-based approach that addresses the complexities and interconnections within agrifood systems, rather than focusing on isolated components, to ensure lasting transformation.
ASTA combines funds from public sources, financial institutions, the private sector, and the broader finance community to mitigate risks and attract investment in agrifood sectors.
Strategically deploying innovation, ASTA enables individuals, communities, and organizations to generate changes in the design and management of agrifood systems.
ASTA creates, manages, and leads partnerships between the UN and other organizations in the development sector to amplify collective expertise and leverage the strengths of each partner.
Impact
ASTA supports countries in transforming their food systems to enhance sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.
SDGs:
UNIDO Priorities:
Thematic Area(s):
ASTA identifies investment opportunities, and helps channel those investments into food value chains…With such efforts, FAO and UNIDO are natural partners. Our expertise and efforts complement each other
Gerd Müller
Director General of UNIDO
Addressing the future of agri-food systems requires a holistic view covering many topics, such as the climate crisis, agricultural production, value chain efficiency, inclusion, nutrition, land use and biodiversity, among others. ASTA offers a concrete tool to help countries realize the objective of agrifood systems transformation.
Dr. Qu Dongyu
Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Technology Used
ASTA employs its own field-tested methodology that analyzes all components of the agrifood system to design upgrading strategies, action plans, and investment packages.
Catalytic Outlook
ASTA projects catalyze self-sustaining agrifood system solutions that can adapt to changing conditions, driving long-term resilience and empowering local stakeholders to continue innovations independently.
Unique Solution Characteristics
ASTA is a leader in blended finance, demonstrating how public development funds can effectively de-risk SDG-linked private sector investments in agrifood systems through equity and loans.
- Islamic Development Bank
- Lagos State
- Joint SDG Fund
