The South Asian Policy Leadership for Improved Nutrition and Growth (SAPLING) is a regional initiative led by the World Bank, with support from the Gates Foundation and other partners. Its aim is to transform nutrition-focused agri-food systems in South Asia. SAPLING facilitates collaboration among policymakers, researchers, civil society practitioners, private sector leaders, innovators, and development partners to share knowledge and promote action.
SAPLING addresses issues such as food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate change impacts by providing evidence-based policy solutions. It aims to strengthen food systems, improve nutritional outcomes, and build resilience for sustainable development in South Asia.
The platform operates through three main pillars: Policy Dialogue, Technology Solutions, and Government Support. These focus on areas like Food Loss and Waste (FLW), Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), and Food Safety Standards.
In 2025, SAPLING is collaborating with the Nexus of Food Systems, Nutrition and Climate Change in South Asia – a Knowledge Exchange Series organized by FAO and the World Bank. This series promotes dialogue among stakeholders to advocate for integrated solutions in the region's agrifood system.
SAPLING organizes events to inform policy decisions and support local innovations. At World Food India 2024, it brought together stakeholders from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan to discuss food system challenges. Themes included diversification beyond cereal-centricity and leadership roles for women and youth.
At the Delivering for Nutrition Conference 2024 hosted by IFPRI, SAPLING focused on evidence-based policymaking for nutrition-sensitive outcomes. Panelists highlighted the need for credible evidence to inform policy decisions.
During World Soil Day 2024 in partnership with India's Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, SAPLING co-hosted a workshop emphasizing soil health as a national priority.
SAPLING engages various stakeholders across South Asia including governments, regional cooperation bodies like SAARC and BIMSTEC, private sector actors, development partners, NGOs/CSOs, media organizations focused on nutrition and agrifood systems.
By fostering partnerships among researchers and practitioners across sectors, SAPLING helps develop policies that drive food systems transformation in South Asia.
For more information contact: nexus@worldbank.org