Fighting fires with rice paddies in Sierra Leone
Farmers in Sierra Leone have shifted from slash-and-burn cultivation to rice cultivation in inland swamps. That is reducing the number of forest fires, a GIS study has shown.
Drought-tolerant rice varieties benefit farmers even in non-drought years
Farmers that lack irrigation and rely on rainfed production are particularly vulnerable to drought. Fortunately, agricultural technologies, such as stress-tolerant rice varieties (STRVs), can help them adapt to climate change.
Making every drop count: Saving water and rural livelihoods
Until recently, every time Fatima Hassan Mohamed needed water to wash, cook, or drink, the mother of five had to set out on foot. The nearest water source was more than 20 kilometers away.
Promoting women’s economic empowerment in West and Central Africa
The impacts of COVID-19: women and girls are more vulnerable to the negative health and socio-economic effects of the crisis.
What impact will the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn have on world food security?
After the epidemic, what problems will global food security face and how to deal with it?
Tracking investments in Tunisia with remote sensing
As long as an element’s precise geographic coordinates are known, satellite imagery can be used to monitor any changes that have taken place.
Breaking the vicious circle of hunger and conflict
Hunger is both a cause and result of conflict. In fact, conflict is the main driver of hunger in most of the world’s food crises.
IFAD’s new book The People Behind Your Plate
As I scroll through the pages of the photo book The People Behind Your Plate, I remember my own visits with rural people in remote villages as I travelled around Lesotho to collect recipes.
There is a growing climate emergency facing smallholders across Asia Pacific – what is IFAD doing about it?
According to UN reports, the Asia Pacific region is the most disaster-prone region in the world.
Digital agriculture: key to helping small-scale producers overcome COVID-19 challenges
As we approach the first anniversary of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s an important moment to take stock on the impact of the pandemic, and to reflect on what we have learned, and what we can do better going forward.
Greening the Sahara: the Great Green Wall Initiative
In 2009, I travelled by road to Timbuktu, Mali on a short field trip. As we made our way down the dusty roads, I remember wondering what could possibly pull this arid, sparsely populated land into relative prosperity.
Climate change talks cannot continue to ignore the needs of small-scale farmers
Poor rural people are among the hardest hit by climate change while contributing little to its causes. They deserve a fair share of climate finance to improve their resilience, and a seat at the table for the global climate talks.
World Soil Day: A tribute to our friends underground
Today is World Soil Day, so let’s dwell a little on this amazing world of earthworms, mites, fungi and microbes.
Working closer as a UN family in country – a review of progress in implementing the UN reform agenda across Asia Pacific
Rethinking how the UN Development System can deliver more coherent, accountable and effective support to help countries achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Why small farms are key to the future of food - and how we can support them
In the 25 years since Clayton Christensen coined the term “disruptive innovation,” much has been written about the benefits of shaking up established business practices.
In an urbanizing world, strong rural–urban links remain the key to resilient cities
As the world becomes more and more urbanized, many have suggested that cities hold the key to an efficient, sustainable future.
Agricultural risk management: Towards long-term resilience
Risk and uncertainty intensify in the agriculture sector – especially throughout Africa.
A look at the digital technologies transforming agriculture
Agriculture has periodically been shaken up by various technological revolutions. The latest? The advent of digital technologies.
The 14th Five-Year Plan: An opportunity to advance China’s agricultural and rural transformation
A unique opportunity for China to advance its agricultural and rural transformation agenda.
Three reasons to invest in land tenure security
For rural people, especially low-income rural people, land and livelihood are one and the same.
Disability in rural areas: A matter of perception
One billion people – 15 per cent of the world’s population – currently have a disability, and 80 per cent of them live in developing countries. People with disabilities, despite being “the world’s largest minority,” are often overlooked.
Opportunities for policy engagement in NEN and beyond
All too often, the path to sustainable development is blocked by outdated policies and legislation.
Results-based financing: A potential game-changer for IFAD's future operations
IFAD is always exploring new lending instruments to increase the number of potential financial solutions it can offer.
Fighting food waste in China: Local efforts, global effects
Reflecting on the fundamental role that sustainable food production and consumption plays in promoting food security and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.