This is a critical moment for water. Only by working together can we turn the tide
As leaders gather for World Water Week, IFAD President and UN-Water Chair Alvaro Lario shares insights on our planet's most precious resource.
When times are tough, it’s the poor who suffer most—and in today's age of polycrisis, they need investment more than ever. That’s why IFAD lays the foundations for long-term resilience by transforming rural economies and food systems, making them more inclusive, productive, and sustainable.
But how do we know how much difference IFAD’s work is making? And how should we correct our course, so investments always benefit those who need them most?
Monitoring matters
Every year, IFAD publishes a Report on IFAD’s Development Effectiveness (RIDE). This examines what our projects have achieved in the short-term: like how many kilometres of road have been constructed. And in the medium- and long-term: how women farmers in Rwanda increased their income through IFAD-funded solar power irrigation systems. It analyses if targets have been met—and if not, why?
RIDE assesses how IFAD is contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals around poverty and hunger and examines how well IFAD processes support effective operations.
This process is crucial for IFAD Member States, who fund our work, and ensures accountability towards reaching the commitments and targets we set together.
What results revealed
The latest RIDE analyses IFAD’s 11th replenishment (2019–2021) to see the difference made to people’s lives.
What this means for the future
IFAD11 showed great results, but we must do more as hunger rises, crises continue to pile up and the deadline to achieve the SDGs fast approaches. As we begin our 13th replenishment we know how we can do better, thanks to RIDE, and one thing will remain true every year: investing in rural people is the best way to protect the planet and ensure no one is left behind.