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Promoting women’s economic empowerment in West and Central Africa

A growing number of reports are demonstrating what many development professionals already know about the impacts of COVID-19: women and girls are more vulnerable to the negative health and socio-economic effects of the crisis.

Big dreams come true in Turkey’s smallest district

Meltem Gözel’s day begins at 07.00 each morning. Before the sun has risen, she’s already at work in her greenhouses, tending to her mushrooms.

Upholding cultural traditions in Tonga

An old Tongan proverb says that a successful village lives together, works together, and helps one another. This is especially true for handicrafts, an integral part of traditional Tongan culture.

El FIDA lanza la Segunda Edición del Premio a la Innovación Juvenil Rural en América Latina y el Caribe

El objetivo del concurso es identificar y premiar iniciativas innovadoras impulsadas por jóvenes que contribuyan a superar los desafíos de la pandemia de COVID-19 en las áreas rurales de la región.

The People Behind Your Plate - Powerful photos and stories available

The People Behind Your Plate is a coffee table book of powerful images and stories of rural people worldwide created IFAD and released for global use today.

What impact will the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn have on world food security?

In 2021, the impact of the epidemic and the global economic recession will have an impact on world food security. After the epidemic, what problems will global food security face and how to deal with it?

Pioneering development in rural Uzbekistan

Starting over is never easy, whether you’re an individual person or an entire nation. Nevertheless, the economy of Uzbekistan has made incredible progress in recent years.

Tracking investments in Tunisia with remote sensing

Many elements involved in IFAD-funded projects. As long as an element’s precise geographic coordinates are known, satellite imagery can be used to monitor any changes that have taken place.

Celebrating Women in Leadership Across the Globe - Episode 17

In this episode, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a global day of observance that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Donors commit to highest-ever funding to UN rural development agency IFAD to tackle hunger and poverty for the world’s poorest

IFAD will be able to invest US$3.8 billion in the world’s rural poor thanks to an unprecedented record-high financing target set today by governments from 177 countries at IFAD’s annual Governing Council.  

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.

UN to involve millions of rural people in 2021 Food Systems Summit as part of ambitious public engagement process

An unprecedented commitment to ensure that the voices and opinions of millions of the world’s most remote rural people are at the heart of the United Nations Food Systems Summit was announced today by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Agnes Kalibata and the President of IFAD, Gilbert F. Houngbo.

World leaders call for greater international cooperation to tackle hunger and poverty at IFAD global meeting

The fate of the world’s poorest and wealthiest nations are interconnected, and eradicating poverty and hunger will be impossible without urgent and focused international cooperation efforts directed at long-term development, said world leaders speaking at the opening of the IFAD annual Governing Council meeting today.

Gilbert F. Houngbo reappointed IFAD President with an ambitious agenda to end hunger and poverty for hundreds of millions of world’s poorest people

In a strong show of support and recognition for the leader who has successfully showcased the importance of long-term rural development, Member States have reappointed Gilbert F. Houngbo as President of IFAD for a second term at its annual Governing Council meeting today.

Livelihood-recovery project directly supporting Cambodia’s most vulnerable and those impacted by COVID-19 to launch tomorrow

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and FAO will sign a project agreement tomorrow to directly support 10,000 of the most vulnerable people affected by COVID-19 in Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey Province to restore their livelihoods and improve their resilience to the crisis.

Countries worldwide are stepping up to support rural farmers living in poverty

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on smallholder farmers in low-income countries who have struggled to access to markets, labourers, technology, and key resources amid physical distancing mandates, shifting government funding priorities, and plunging income levels.

Increased investment in Sahel will boost development and resilience of rural populations

About one million rural people in the Sahel region will benefit from a new joint programme, the first of its kind, IFAD announced today. The US$180.4 million Regional Joint Programme will revitalize economic activities and food systems in the Group of Five Sahel countries and in the Republic of Senegal.

How radio came to the rescue in Nepal

Last March, when Nepal went into lockdown to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarbaraj Bhandari realized he was in a bit of a fix. A goat farmer, he was in the process of upgrading and managing his goat-shed facilities with the help of extension services and technical support provided to farmers participating in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development-led and IFAD-supported Agriculture Sector Development Programme (ASDP).

Bringing home the bacon: Digitalization helps Chinese pig farmers scale up

Zhenba County, nestled in the mountains of China’s Shaanxi province, has long been known for its traditional bacon, expertly smoked and cured to produce an unmatched flavor.

IFAD Governing Council and press conference with new announcement on UN Food Systems Summit - 17-18 February 2021

Heads of state, ministers and rural development experts will come together at the 44th annual Governing Council meeting of IFAD to discuss the critical importance of investing in the rural areas of the world’s poorest countries to build global stability and peace, and how to close the rural development funding gap.

IFAD’s new book The People Behind Your Plate

As I scroll through the pages of the new photo book The People Behind Your Plate just published by IFAD, I remember my own visits with rural people in remote villages as I travelled around Lesotho to collect recipes for my cooking books.

UN rural development agency IFAD to open Japan office to boost global hunger eradication efforts

The Japanese government and the IFAD signed an historic agreement today to open the first IFAD Liaison Office in Japan.

Indigenous Peoples are critical to build a more sustainable post-pandemic world, says IFAD President

Indigenous Peoples have suffered disproportionately from the economic impacts of COVID-19, yet they hold essential knowledge for rebuilding a more sustainable and resilient post-pandemic world, free of poverty and hunger, said Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD, at the opening of the Fifth global meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum today.

Indigenous food systems are at the heart of resilience

Indigenous food systems represent a treasure trove of knowledge that contributes to well-being and health, benefiting communities, preserving a rich biodiversity, and providing nutritious food.

Invitation to Indigenous Peoples’ Forum at IFAD: How indigenous food systems can help build resilience to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

This year, representatives from Indigenous Peoples’ groups from around 57 countries will meet with development organisations and governments to discuss ways to address challenges and opportunities.

Help for Nigerian small-scale farmers to improve food security and combat poverty in the face of COVID-19

The Federal Government of Nigeria and IFAD are working together to lessen the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on small-scale farmers’ activities and domestic food supply in northeastern states of Nigeria.

Unless we urgently rethink agriculture, more diseases will jump species

As the world grapples with the current pandemic, other threats, not least our climate emergency, have not gone away. The science is clear that without urgent global action, the climate and broader environmental crisis could be worse.

New Vision, New Year – Episode 16

In this month’s episode, we’re focusing on youth and indigenous peoples as agents of change in the developing world.

Help small-scale farmers adapt to climate change or face increased hunger and migration, warns IFAD President

If investments to help rural small-scale farmers adapt to climate change do not substantially increase, we risk widespread hunger and global instability, warned Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD, ahead of next week’s Climate Adaptation Summit.

Fai fatongia: One island’s path to food security, COVID mitigation and climate resilience

In the Kingdom of Tonga, fai fatongia rules the day. Under this principle, which translates to “fulfilling one’s responsibility,” Tongans traditionally put the collective good first and their individual needs second.

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. Nearly 45 per cent of the world’s natural disasters occur in the region.

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.

French President Emmanuel Macron calls on leaders to fund IFAD

In a move to sustainably address rising hunger and poverty, exacerbated by COVID-19, climate change and biodiversity loss, French President Emmanuel Macron called on global leaders to step up their commitments in support of long-term agricultural development.

IFAD and GCF scale-up action to improve life for millions of people and restore ecosystems in Africa’s Great Green Wall

A new investment programme is planned to support Sahelian governments through a partnership between the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and IFAD in order to boost climate finance for these rural populations.

To “green” the Sahel, we need big plans and small actions

The best way to make the desert bloom is to dig a hole. Not a well, but a shallow pit in the sandy soil about as wide as the length of your forearm. Then add some dung, plant your seeds, and wait for the rains.

National Calls for Proposals (The Gambia, Ghana, Senegal): Supporting remittances in times of crisis in Africa

The Financing Facility for Remittances (FFR) of IFAD is pleased to announce the 2020 National Calls for Proposals: Supporting Remittances in Times of Crisis in Africa.

Take our end-of-year quiz!

A lot has happened over the last year – besides a global pandemic. See how much you were paying attention by taking our end of year quiz!

A year in review: Nurturing resilient rural communities in a time of change

2020 has been a tumultuous year. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone across the world – and meanwhile, the other challenges faced by rural people across the globe haven’t gone away.

New Frontiers in Sustainable Farming – Episode 15

In this episode, we say goodbye to a year that’s been full of uncertainty and change, but also adaptation, innovation and improvement.

A holiday gift with impact: crowdfunding solar-powered water access in Africa

This holiday season, some of the world’s poorest families in Somalia and Malawi look set to access water through innovative solar energy products financed through a crowdfunding project set up by IFAD.

Wishing you season’s greetings from Recipes for Change

Our Recipes for Change chefs Ska Moteane, Lance Seeto, Bela Gil, Pierre Thiam and Mariah Gladstone shared with us their festive wishes for the Recipes for Change community and IFAD in the holiday season.

Chef Bowerman wishes our readers Happy Holidays with this festive treat

To celebrate with all our readers and supporters and wish you Happy Holidays, we asked our Recipes for Change chefs to share some festive recipes to enjoy during the holiday season.

Five reasons IFAD is putting small-scale farmers at the forefront of food systems transformation

Our current food systems are not sustainable. Hunger has been on the rise for several years, with an estimated 811 million people worldwide going hungry in 2020 – and with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, up to 132 million more people are expected to join this number soon.

The first woman camel farmer in North Africa: Imen’s story

Benguerdane is a small town in the desert plain of El Ouara, a region in the extreme south-east of Tunisia, just a few kilometres away from the Libyan border. The climate there is forbiddingly arid, and the main source of livelihood is raising livestock like sheep and goats.

Pope Francis joins 25 countries to fight against poverty and hunger in first round of pledges to IFAD

Despite the economic consequences of COVID-19, a growing number of countries around the world today stepped up their investments in long-term development, signalling a greater awareness of the links between hunger, inequality and instability which often spark humanitarian crises.

IFAD joins with partners to build resilience and boost development in the Sahel

IFAD is joining with FAO and WFP - as well as the G5 Sahel and the Green Climate Fund to revitalize economic activities and food systems in the Group of Five Sahel countries and in the Republic of Senegal.

How Bhutan is showing the way in building crop biodiversity

For countries like Bhutan – nestled in the high Himalayas, historically isolated and topographically challenging – ensuring food security is vital.

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.

Des députés français se mobilisent pour soutenir le développement agricole et l’action du FIDA sur le terrain

Les députés français, Marion Lenne et Jean François Mbaye, membres de la commission des Affaires étrangères du parlement, en visite au Sénégal cette semaine, ont plaidé pour que le gouvernement français augmente sa contribution de manière significative à la douzième reconstitution des ressources du FIDA, qui se conclura en février 2021.

Mozambique and IFAD to increase resilience and food and nutrition security in the face of climate change and COVID-19

The Government of Mozambique and IFAD have officially launched the Inclusive Agri-Food Value Chain Development Programme (PROCAVA) to improve rural livelihoods, food security and resilience – are all critical needs in view of pandemic and climate change impacts for the country’s most vulnerable people.

Eliminating poverty and hunger high on global agenda as countries pledge funds to IFAD

At a time when hunger and poverty are increasing due to conflict, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the world’s poorest countries are the first to pledge funds to the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support its work to ensure that the most vulnerable rural people can sustainably access nutritious food and decent incomes.

Multi-million euro contribution from Germany to IFAD will help avert a COVID-19 food crisis

In the face of a looming food crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany has committed funds to IFAD to help ensure small-scale farmers can continue growing food in some of the poorest regions of the world.

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

The adoption of General Assembly resolution 72/279 in May 2018, triggered a consortium of UN organizations to come together and rethink how the United Nations Development System can deliver more coherent, accountable and effective support to help countries achieve the 2030 Agenda.

New UN report reveals the inequality in the geographical distribution of malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean

A new United Nations report shows the territorial inequality of malnutrition in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sicurezza alimentare e Covid-19, come proteggere le filiere?

La vice Ministra degli Esteri Emanuela Del Re ed esperti italiani e internazionali ne discutono in un seminario online aperto ai giornalisti.

Three ways we’re using digital technologies to fight rural poverty in the NEN region

Digital technologies have become our constant companions over the last few decades. Devices like smartphones and laptops have become even more relevant after the COVID-19 outbreak, helping us stay in touch even in times of physical distance.

The United Nations will present a new report on food and nutrition security in Latin America and the Caribbean

On December 2, the United Nations will present the new edition of the report Panorama of food and nutritional security in Latin America and the Caribbean 2020, focused on the territories that suffer the highest rates of malnutrition, stunring and overweight.

Rural youth, innovation and tradition: the challenge of a new order

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reinvention of the agricultural sector is indispensable today. In fact, it is already beginning to take place with young people at the heart of it.

Resilience in rural Syria: Welcoming back tourists with fresh-baked pastries

After a decade of conflict, local tourists are slowly starting to return to the pristine mountainsides just a short drive outside Latakia, Syria. Visitors to the village of Zaghreen, in particular, are greeted by the aroma of Issam Mohammad Hamoody’s freshly-baked pastries.

Resilience in rural Syria: The sound of songbirds

Conflict has paralyzed much of Syria’s rural economy over the past decade. People throughout the countryside often repeat what has become a common quote: “No sound is louder than the sound of gunshots.” But at least one woman in rural Syria is listening to a different tune.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Each year, to raise public awareness of gender-based violence across the world, the United Nations recognizes 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

16 days of activism against gender-based violence: Building a brighter future for women and girls

Violence against women is far more than a violation of human rights. It undermines women’s physical and mental health, as well as their ability to be happy and productive members of their societies.

IFAD and FAO join forces to support family farming in the Near East and North Africa

IFAD and FAO have joined forces to foster inclusive and sustainable family farming as the central cornerstone for a vibrant, productive and profitable agriculture across the Near East and North Africa.

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.

Resilience in rural Syria: An entrepreneurial spirit conquers hardships

Determination and perseverance are what make an entrepreneur successful. That’s doubly true in a country like Syria, where ongoing conflict has disrupted people’s lives for the past decade.

Innovations in agriculture during COVID-19 – Episode 14

This month’s programme is all about innovations in agriculture. We’re travelling around the world to hear about new technologies designed to ensure food security.

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.

AA+ credit rating from Standard & Poor’s will help IFAD increase investments to fight poverty and hunger

The prospect of eradicating hunger and poverty received a boost today as IFAD obtained its second strong public credit rating, facilitating its access to private funds to invest in increasing rural prosperity and development in the world’s poorest countries.  

President's Hearing to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Parliament

Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD was invited to hold a hearing to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Italian Parliament on 18 November.

No place like home: Moldovan youth bring business to the countryside

Moldova’s agriculture sector is increasingly developing and modernizing. This is due both to an increased presence in lucrative markets like the European Union and to the efforts deployed by IFAD and the Government of Moldova to help restructure the sector, largely through sustained investments and financial support to small-scale farmers, to accompany this modernization.

Linking small-scale producers to markets in Lebanon

Apple season in Lebanon is much like apple season in many other parts of the world. But in Lebanon, apple growers – along with small-scale farmers of all kinds – face a number of constraints on their ability to efficiently grow and sell their crops.

Dutch funding to IFAD will help avert COVID-19 food crisis

As more people spiral into hunger and poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Netherlands has stepped up its funding to IFAD to help avert a rural food crisis.

€300 million loan from AFD to IFAD to support millions of small-scale farmers

In an effort to tackle the devastating impact of climate change on rural hunger and poverty, the French Development Agency (AFD), today signed a €300 million loan to IFAD to help small-scale farmers in high-risk countries build their resilience to shocks and increase their productivity.

Climate finance neglects small-scale farmers – new report

Only 1.7 per cent of climate finance – a fraction of what is needed - goes to small-scale farmers in developing countries despite their disproportionate vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, according to a report released by the IFAD and Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) today.

Historic statement by Public Development Banks signals greater commitment to tackle global hunger and poverty

For the first time in history, today 13 Public Development Banks (PDBs) made a joint commitment to strengthen investments in food and agriculture in the context of a global pandemic and a changing climate.

Agricultural risk management: Towards long-term resilience

Risk and uncertainty intensify in the agriculture sector – especially throughout Africa.

Supporting rural women’s land rights

In many parts of the world, full participation in society – including the ability to earn an income – is still dependent on owning (or having the rights to) land.

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.

Keeping the family happy and healthy: Hafeeza’s story

Four years ago, back-to-back misfortunes upended Hafeeza Begum’s life. She knew it fell to her to get her young family back on their feet.

Green jobs for youth: What works and what’s missing?

Rural young people are increasingly concerned about the environment. Many of them work in sectors that are threatened by climate change, and they’re well aware that their industry and food systems will need to become more resilient and sustainable than ever before.

Recovery, Rebuilding, Resilience Under COVID-19 – Episode 13

In this month’s programme, we have the latest on COVID-19 from IFAD’s Associate Vice-President Donal Brown; news on nutrition from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; and a report on getting youth issues right in development activities.

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.

African Heads of State call on world leaders to increase investment in IFAD to end rural hunger and poverty

Ten African Heads of State have issued a strong call to other world leaders to increase their funding to IFAD or risk jeopardizing Sustainable Development Goal targets for eradicating poverty and hunger, particularly in Africa.

Ten African Leaders write letters to other World Leaders to urge them to increase funding to IFAD

Ten African Heads of State have issued a strong call to other world leaders to increase their funding to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) or risk jeopardizing Sustainable Development Goal targets for eradicating poverty and hunger, particularly in Africa.

As FAO turns 75, its mission to end hunger and nourish the world is as relevant today as ever

Today, World Food Day marks the 75th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Born on the wake of catastrophe - World War II, three-quarters of a century later, FAO's mission to end hunger and nourish the world has been made more relevant because of another global scourge - the COVID-19 pandemic, said QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General.

Idris and Sabrina Elba call for investments in rural agriculture to fight rising hunger

For Idris Elba, returning to Sierra Leone late last year was about two things: reconnecting with his roots and learning about the challenges facing the country where his father was born, so that he could become a better advocate for its people

Rural women in Latin America take control of food production – and their own development

All across Latin America, rural women are taking charge of their communities’ food production – and their own economic and personal development.

“Cashroots” movement builds community resilience in the Solomon Islands

Simon Chottu works hard and plays hard. An events manager by trade, he’s spent the last few years hosting hip-hop parties and organizing music events and competitions across the South Pacific.

Governments need to halt the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on rural women, says IFAD President on International Day of Rural Women

Our food supply is at risk if we don’t start prioritizing rural women during this pandemic, said Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD in a strong call to governments to increase their investments in rural women.

Consultation on IFAD’s Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures

IFAD is currently updating its Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP) which was introduced in 2015 and last updated in 2017. This ongoing update of SECAP is not intended to be a comprehensive revision of the Procedures.

Rural women: The key to building back better in a post-COVID world

In times of crisis, rural women are the key that holds families and rural communities together – and in times like these, they need our support more than ever.

Dutch poverty fighter joins UN agency IFAD as global poverty rates rise

Meike van Ginneneken joins IFAD today as the new Associate Vice President of the Strategy and Knowledge Department.

Nourishing a sustainable cocoa trade in the Solomon Islands

On a dusty side street in Auki, a seaside market town on the island of Malaita, Arania Enterprises is bustling.

IFAD-supported projects help women come back to the countryside

Life in the countryside isn’t always easy – especially for rural women, whose contributions and successes have only recently begun to receive the attention they deserve.

Taking back springtime: IFAD-supported project revitalizes irrigation in remote China

The return of spring to Santiaogou, a tiny village nestled high in China’s remote, mountainous Qinghai province, should have been idyllic.

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.

New rural finance programme to help millions of Ethiopian farmers build resilience in the face of climate change and COVID-19

Against the backdrop of the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, the Government of Ethiopia and IFAD have launched a new US$305.7 million programme to help the most vulnerable farmers increase their resilience.

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