South-South action to confront development challenges

Rural people across the world live in a dizzying array of contexts, yet they face surprisingly similar struggles. Climate change, conflict and economic turmoil are all common challenges for people in low- and middle-income countries.

Through South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), countries and organizations in the Global South learn from each other and share resources so they can overcome development challenges together.

Resilience in a changing climate

IFAD promotes SSTC so communities can strengthen food systems and build their resilience to climate change.

For example, drought in Ethiopia means traditional rain-fed irrigation can no longer produce enough food. Meanwhile, across the border in Kenya, the IFAD-funded UTANRMP project successfully uses innovative technologies for better watershed management and improved harvests.

Through the China-IFAD SSTC Facility, Kenyan counterparts shared their expertise on natural resource management, irrigation systems and water management associations with PASIDP-II staff in Ethiopia.

Now, the project in Ethiopia has four pilot irrigation schemes which use water harvesting ponds and more efficient irrigation systems. These are already helping 164 farmers save water and improve the quality of their produce.

One of them is Tejetu Tiya, a widow with six children living in the Sidama region. The new systems have reduced the amount of water she needs to irrigate her land. “We will produce enough food for our family to lead a better life,” she says.

A rising tide lifts all boats

In Ghana and Nigeria, the IFAD-supported ProSCAWA project taps into expertise and equipment from China, WorldFish and across the Global South to help young entrepreneurs set up fish farms.

Now, there are more job opportunities for young people across the fish value chain while local people have an affordable source of nutritious food, bringing new hope to rural communities.

Collaboration at every level

Stories of collaboration can be found at every level, from farmers to policymakers.

With IFAD’s support, Kyrgyzstan is a pioneer in developing laws and systems that ensure land is used fairly and sustainably. Now, policymakers in other countries, like Georgia, are learning from the Kyrgyz example to develop land use frameworks that work for rural people.

SSTC helps innovative young people share their ideas. The Rural Youth Innovation Award in Latin America and the Caribbean recognises the creative ways young people overcome rural challenges.

Nineteen initiatives were recognized by the award, including Cerrado Youth Seed Collectors which restores local ecosystems in Brazil and Comunidades Iluminadas which provides solar panels to remote rural communities in Peru’s Amazon region.

Sharing success

The Rural Solutions Portal has collected over 100 great ideas from around the world, pioneered by rural people and the organizations that support them. These case studies outline best practices, showcasing innovative approaches that work in a wide range of contexts.

SSTC is an inherent part of IFAD’s strategy in every country. Through it, countries can solve seemingly intractable problems and create solidarity in their shared mission to achieve sustainable development.

Discover more proven solutions, innovative agri-food practices and partners from the Global South

Find out about the UN Day for South-South Cooperation

Publication date: 11 September 2023