Near East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia

Context

The Near East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia (NEN) region stretches across three continents and a myriad of climates and landscapes, from the arid deserts of North Africa to the mountain ranges of Central Asia. Its young and dynamic population, from a wide range of cultures and socio-economic situations, has great potential to lead sustainable development.

However, multi-dimensional fragility represents a major obstacle for the region. This is driven primarily by conflict, with people in Yemen, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Palestine suffering the most. Other factors include economic volatility, weak governance, social inequality and youth unemployment.

Fragility strongly correlates with undernourishment and poverty. By 2030, it is estimated that three in five of the world’s extreme poor will be concentrated in fragile and conflict-affected situations.

Complicating the situation further is the region’s acute vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, water scarcity chief among them. Droughts and floods are impacting agriculture and rural livelihoods. Meanwhile, desertification is forcing people to leave their homes, adding to an already serious displacement issue.

To drive sustainable rural development and ensure resilient food systems, achieving water security through climate-resilient agricultural practices is paramount. In many cases, the region’s small-scale farmers already have the answers. For example, in Egypt traditional irrigation methods are used in modern water management to increase successful harvests.

Meeting the complexity of the NEN region’s challenges requires a holistic approach. By promoting sustainable development, fostering resilience and investing in human capital, it is possible to pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable future.

Strategy

IFAD’s approach to investing in rural people in the NEN region recognizes the urgent need to address multiple shocks and environmental vulnerabilities. We focus on empowering rural people, strengthening their economic resilience and promoting sustainable development.

With a total portfolio of US$1.9 billion and 31 active projects in 2024, our investments boost productivity, build resilience and reduce poverty. We do this by strengthening agricultural value chains and providing access to finance and technologies. By improving access to markets and promoting fair trade practices, IFAD ensures that rural economies are more integrated, equitable and resilient.

We encourage digital entrepreneurship to drive sustainable economic growth. This includes e-marketing initiatives to support sheep farmers in Morocco, developing e-wallets in Egypt and Jordan, and using Geographic Information Systems to optimize climate investments in Kyrgyzstan.

IFAD places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate resilience. We invest in sustainable agricultural practices, natural resource management, climate-smart technologies and biodiversity preservation. In Türkiye, for example, solar water-heating panels and sustainable natural resource management practices reduced household water consumption by 25 per cent and increased vegetation cover in rangelands by 30 per cent.

We create opportunities for rural youth, reducing migration to urban areas and building thriving rural communities. In Montenegro, for example, youth are provided with comprehensive support packages, including access to finance, modern farming technologies and tailored training programmes.

The challenges the region faces are not constrained by borders. That’s why we promote regional cooperation as an essential element of sustainable development. Strengthening collaboration among NEN countries in areas like trade, infrastructure and research can lead to shared solutions – and enhance stability and prosperity for the whole region.