IFAD is the world’s fund for transforming agriculture, rural economies and food systems.
Simply put, IFAD invests in rural people. We do this by financing programmes, measuring results, innovating and working with rural people themselves.
Spanning five regions and 92 countries, IFAD works where poverty and hunger are deepest.
From building resilience to empowering rural people and protecting the environment, explore our main areas of work.
Wondering how you can help? Explore the many ways to get involved – and then join us!
Rural Voices
In Nigeria, youth with disabilities flourish through inclusive development
After joining a farming group designed to meet her specific needs, Margaret was able to turn her life around.
How farmers across Africa are holding back desertification and land degradation
In every corner of the continent, rural people are finding ways to keep their soil fertile and feed their communities.
In pictures: a day in rural Tunisia
Rural towns include a rich tapestry of vocations and livelihoods. Meet some of the people that keep their communities ticking – from morning till night.
Apricot farmers in the Hunza Valley strive for the best
Thanks to a new partnership model, apricots are making their way from the Karakoram Mountains to the rest of the world.
In pictures: The fabric of strong rural communities
Weaving has been a way of life for thousands of years. From Fiji to Guatemala, we discover the wonders of weaving from around the world.
For a food-secure future, we should make the most of what we already have
Reducing food loss is the secret to boosting food security without added human or environmental costs. With IFAD’s support, small-scale farmers around the world are making sure food gets from field to plate.
In Lao PDR, sustainable development takes a village
Thanks to a new participatory planning process, Mang village has become an example of sustainable, inclusive development in action – and its people have renewed reason for hope.
Women’s leadership making a difference in rural China
In Longhui County, Hunan Province of southern China, women have many talents and want to start businesses, but they lack the resources and opportunities they need. This was a daily challenge for Ms. Hongyan Li, the hard-working Vice Chairwoman of the Longhui County Women's Federation.
Aquaculture brings lasting change to Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta
Three years after our project in the Mekong Delta came to an end, we returned to Viet Nam to see if rural communities have continued to thrive with aquaculture.
Meet the young people making irrigation in Asia smarter
Rural youth are bringing agriculture into the digital age. Meet three young rural people in Asia who’ve cracked the irrigation code!
Indigenous Peoples show how both people and the planet can thrive in harmony
From the Andes to the Amazon, meet three Indigenous Peoples’ organizations that are transforming their communities with IFAD’s support.
Facing down drought in Zimbabwe with irrigation
In the face of challenging conditions, small-scale farmers in Zimbabwe's southeastern drylands are standing strong – and irrigating their way to food security.