A focus on empowerment

On October 17, the world will commemorate the twentieth International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year, the theme is: People Living in Poverty as Agents of Change.

IFAD has worked closely with poor rural people and their organizations for 30 years. We have learned that, to enable people to overcome poverty, we must ensure that they have access to the skills and organization they need to take advantage of economic opportunities. With strong organizations, farmers are more competitive and better able to meet market demand. They also have a stronger voice and are better able to influence the policies and decisions that affect their lives and often perpetuate poverty.

Precisely because they focus on empowerment, IFAD programmes make a real difference in the lives of poor rural people.

In a message to mark this important day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that while the proportion of people living in extreme poverty has fallen in much of the world, there are some regions – particularly sub-Saharan Africa – that are not on track to achieve even one of the millennium promises.

“Today, the world must refocus its attention, and its resources, on the places and people that are being left behind,” said Secretary-General Ban. “As we do, we must bear in mind that none are more committed to ending poverty than the poor themselves. Often all they lack is the guidance, the tools and the opportunities to win this fight.”

IFAD works with poor rural women and men to develop locally specific opportunities that enable them to thrive economically in their own communities. We support programmes and projects that enable poor rural people to access the land, water, financial resources and agricultural technologies and services they need to farm productively. We also help them get access to markets and the opportunities for enterprise that could help them increase their income.

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency dedicated to reducing poverty in the rural areas of developing countries. Our focus is on poor, marginalized and vulnerable rural people who depend on agriculture and related activities to survive. We give special attention to gender differences and to empowering women, since women account for a disproportionate number of the world’s extremely poor. We recognize the particular needs of indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities, especially in Latin America and Asia.

Source: IFAD