Membership

IFAD’s 178 Member States come from every region in the world. They are low-, middle- and high-income countries, united in their dedication to eradicating hunger and poverty in rural areas.  

IFAD offers donor governments an effective way to deliver development finance and support small-scale farmers and rural communities. For Member States that receive IFAD funding and services, we also offer expertise and technical knowledge to strengthen the capacity of national partners and institutions.  

Any country that is a member of the United Nations, its specialized agencies or the International Atomic Energy Agency can become an IFAD Member State. 

Membership is grouped into three lists:

• Member States on List A are primarily high-income countries that contribute to IFAD’s resources.
• Those on List B also contribute to IFAD’s resources, with some eligible for IFAD financing and services.
• Those on List C are primarily developing countries that receive IFAD financing and services while also contributing to IFAD resources. 

Together, Member States ensure that we are efficient, inclusive and accountable.

Member States govern through the Governing Council and the Executive Board. These two bodies make all major decisions, including policy, finance and membership.