A diverse group of individuals sitting at a table with microphones, listening to a panel discussion.

Governments

©IFAD/Flavio Ianniello

Country-led and country-owned

IFAD has 179 Member States and counting. More countries join on a regular basis because of IFAD's unique role and value proposition as a development partner that is both a UN agency and an International Financial Institution, focused exclusively on reducing rural poverty and hunger.

A unique feature of IFAD is that while only developing Member States are eligible for IFAD's support, all Member States can contribute — and most do.

On average over 100 countries contribute to each replenishment of the Fund, which takes place every three years. Contributions range from just a few thousand dollars from our smallest and poorest Member States to tens of millions or more from others, including both traditional and emerging donors.

The wide range of Member States which contribute to IFAD reflects the inclusive nature of the institution and the recognition of the Fund as a key instrument in the global fight to end rural poverty and hunger. IFAD is also recognised as a key partner to address challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation, malnutrition, gender inequality, and youth unemployment.

As donors, our member countries recognise that IFAD’s special mandate and ongoing projects in almost 100 countries offer a way to effectively deliver and leverage their own development finance and support to small farmers and rural communities. IFAD's financial model and capacity as an assembler of development finance means that the Fund can convert each dollar of new funding provided by Members into six or seven dollars of investment at the project level.

As recipients, our member countries see IFAD is a trusted partner who brings finance, expertise and technical knowledge to help strengthen the capacity of national partners and their institutions.

All IFAD projects are country-led and country-owned.

IFAD's decades-long experience, value for money and leadership on smallholder farming and rural development issues ensure that every development dollar has an impact.