Facing a future of growing food insecurity and climate challenges, world leaders commit to increased funding for small-scale farmers and rural people

Rome/ Paris - 8 December 2023- The world is not on track to end hunger and poverty, or to halt climate change. Small-scale farmers who produce one third of the world’s food and up to 70 percent of the food consumed in Africa and Asia are on the frontlines of these challenges. About 80 percent of the world’s poorest live in rural areas. They are deeply affected by climate-induced droughts, floods, rising temperatures and erratic rain patterns.  

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched the 13th replenishment of its resources in February 2023, calling on global leaders to substantially increase their investments in small-scale farmers and rural people in developing countries to help them adapt, increase their production, produce more diversified foods, and access markets, knowledge and technology.

IFAD seeks to mobilize US$2 billion in new funding to support a US$10 billion, three-year programme of work that will impact over 100 million rural people (2025-2027). The fourth consultation meeting and pledging session is being hosted by the governments of Angola and France.

At the end of the two-day session, a press conference will take place, showcasing global leaders’ commitments and revealing pledges made.

WHAT: Press conference (join in person or virtually)

WHEN: Friday 15 December, 2023 – 16.00 CET.

WHO:   

• Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy and Finance, France
• Vera Esperança dos Santos Daves De Sousa, Minister of Finance, Angola
• Alvaro Lario, President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

WHERE: 

• In person: Ministère de l’Économie, des Finances et de la Souveraineté industrielle et numérique - 139 rue de Bercy, 75572 Paris Cedex 12 - +33 1 53 18 33 80
• Online: a link to connect will be sent to accredited journalists

HOW:  Media Accreditation is mandatory with the press office of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Please send an email to [email protected] and indicate in email whether you plan to participate in person or online. Deadline to request accreditation is 17.00 (CET) on Tuesday 12 December 2023.

Find out more: IFAD13

For further information about IFAD’s work: www.ifad.org

---

Media advisory No.: IFAD/12/2023

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency. Based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided more than US$24 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries.

A wide range of photographs and broadcast-quality video content of IFAD’s work in rural communities are available for download from our Image Bank.