Financing and Implementing One Health for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation: Key Takeaways from the FAO Global Conference Side Event

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This question was at the heart of the side event “Financing and Implementing One Health for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation: Aligning Investments for Integrated Action”, convened on 22 September 2026 by the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development, FAO, the Agroecology Coalition, and Compassion in World Farming during the FAO Global Conference on One Health in Agrifood Systems.

Across the discussions, a clear message emerged: despite growing recognition that One Health challenges are interconnected, financing and implementation remain fragmented. Achieving One Health outcomes at scale will require stronger partnerships, better coordination and financing approaches that support integrated action rather than isolated interventions.

Speakers pointed to the need to mobilize resources beyond traditional grant funding. Grants remain important, but they will not be sufficient to meet the scale of investment required for agrifood systems transformation. Blended finance, impact investing, public-private partnerships and results-based financing were identified as important tools for unlocking additional resources and creating investable opportunities. A key question raised was whether existing financing mechanisms are attracting the right investors and operating at the scale required to deliver transformative impact.

The discussion also stressed the importance of adopting a systems approach to investment. Strengthening surveillance systems, veterinary services, institutional capacities, coordination mechanisms and enabling policy environments can create the conditions for lasting One Health outcomes. Several speakers emphasized that financing should support the systems that underpin resilience, rather than focusing solely on isolated interventions.

A stronger evidence base for One Health investments was another priority. More robust evidence on the value and impact of integrated approaches, together with stronger data on return on investment, will be critical for mobilizing public and private capital. Participants also called for a shift from technical coordination towards genuine investment dialogue, bringing ministries of finance, development finance institutions, investors and private-sector actors to the table early in the process.

Prevention emerged as another important consideration, in particular the need to recognize it as a strategic investment rather than a cost. Investments in disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance reduction, biosecurity and veterinary services generate significant economic, social and environmental returns. Yet the benefits are often reflected in risks avoided and crises prevented rather than immediate, visible outcomes. Making the value of prevention more visible, and demonstrating the return on preventive investments, will be crucial for attracting financing and scaling action under the One Health approach.

The discussion also identified practical pathways for translating One Health priorities into investment opportunities. Agroecology was presented as an example of how financing instruments can enable integrated approaches on the ground while addressing barriers such as limited access to funding. Similarly, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems were also highlighted as an entry point for operationalizing One Health, with the development of bankable SPS projects offering opportunities to attract financing and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.

Country leadership was seen as another critical success factor. Lasting impact depends on investments that are anchored in national priorities, supported by strong multi-sector partnerships and backed by fit-for-purpose financing. Domestic financing mechanisms, including public procurement, public development banks, blended finance approaches and public-private partnerships, can support long-term implementation and help scale successful approaches. Greater regional alignment was also recognized as essential for addressing transboundary risks, fostering collective resilience, and maximize the impact of investments.

The event concluded with a clear call to action: financing must move beyond fragmented, project-based approaches towards scalable, investment-ready solutions; prevention must be recognized as an investment rather than a cost; and stronger partnerships, country leadership and regional alignment are needed to unlock the full value that One Health approaches can generate across sectors. By doing so, stakeholders can accelerate progress towards healthier, more resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

Photos by ©GDPRD: Dana Choi