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Sustainable development takes a village. This community in Lao PDR proves it

September 2024

Thanks to a new participatory planning process, Mang village has become an example of sustainable, inclusive development in action – and its people have renewed reason for hope. 

Demystifying South-South and Triangular Cooperation

September 2024

SSTC might sound like development jargon, but it’s a key driver of sustainable growth and innovation. Let’s unpack what the term means – and why it matters for rural people.

8 ways to sustainably boost food production in Africa

August 2024

Increasing agricultural production is critical to fighting hunger in Africa, but often results in overexploited natural resources. Luckily, there are ways to do so sustainably.

Women’s leadership making a difference in rural China

August 2024

In Longhui County, Hunan Province of southern China, women have many talents and want to start businesses, but they lack the resources and opportunities they need. This was a daily challenge for Ms. Hongyan Li, the hard-working Vice Chairwoman of the Longhui County Women's Federation.

Aquaculture brings lasting change to Viet Nam’s Mekong Delta

August 2024

Three years after our project in the Mekong Delta came to an end, we returned to Viet Nam to see if rural communities have continued to thrive with aquaculture.

Meet the young people making irrigation in Asia smarter

August 2024

Rural youth are bringing agriculture into the digital age. Meet three young rural people in Asia who’ve cracked the irrigation code!

Indigenous Peoples show how both people and the planet can thrive in harmony

August 2024

 From the Andes to the Amazon, meet three Indigenous Peoples’ organizations that are transforming their communities with IFAD’s support.

Recipes for Change: Jollof fonio with black-eyed peas

July 2024

Black-eyed peas are not only an important ingredient in the local cuisine of The Gambia and Senegal – they are climate-resilient, too. Try them yourself with this delicious fonio recipe.

Solutions to hunger exist. What we are lacking is finance

July 2024

The latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World Report confirms that we have the means to end hunger, but are missing the money and the political will to do so. We explore the issues, solutions and what IFAD is doing to better finance food security and nutrition.

Facing down drought in Zimbabwe with irrigation

July 2024

In the face of challenging conditions, small-scale farmers in Zimbabwe's southeastern drylands are standing strong – and irrigating their way to food security.

Tanzania’s seaweed farmers bring the ocean’s bounty to the world

July 2024

Climate change is making seaweed farming off Tanzania’s coast a challenge – but IFAD is supporting seaweed farmers so they can adapt to this new normal.

How small-scale farmers in Saudi Arabia are preserving a cultural treasure

July 2024

Coffee has been grown in Saudi Arabia for centuries. But today, climate change is taking its toll. See how one small-scale farmer has built a thriving coffee farm, and is preserving traditions, despite challenges.

Cocoa farmers bring sweet dreams to life

July 2024

Did you know nearly all of the world’s cocoa is produced by small-scale farmers? Let’s celebrate some of the people making our lives a little sweeter.

 

The Angolan cooperative building a brighter future

July 2024

Small-scale farmers and fishers are joining forces and tapping into northern Angola’s immense potential for inland aquaculture.

Small businesses for a sustainable future in Brazil

June 2024

Farming is not easy in Brazil’s semi-arid north-east. But with the support of a local cooperative, these small businesses are producing food while protecting nature.

 

IFAD Annual Report 2023

June 2024

The world needs to find new ways to invest in rural people and their activities. IFAD’s Annual Report 2023 outlines how this is already happening.

Morocco's rural women venture forth with vinegar

June 2024

Apple farming is a way of life in central Morocco, but farmers have been struggling with post-harvest losses. This all-woman cooperative is turning things around.

Dry planet: drought and desertification, region by region

June 2024

We asked IFAD’s climate experts how desertification and drought are affecting different parts of the world – and how rural people are leading the change that’s needed.

14 reasons why remittances are important

June 2024

Remittances continue to matter more than ever, particularly in rural areas where they count the most and provide further opportunities towards rural transformation. Here are 14 reasons why.

Restoring ecosystems from the ground up

June 2024

Dwindling water sources and severe droughts are degrading soils. But it’s not too late to restore ecosystems – if rural people take the lead.

How diverse crops create a safety net for Solomon Islanders

May 2024

Bringing back dietary diversity is crucial to building resilience and ensuring Solomon Islanders can always access enough nutritious food, even in times of crisis.

Meet the young rural people bringing back bees

May 2024

From Tanzania to Tajikistan, rural youth are combining tradition with modern techniques to build sustainable livelihoods on an ancient delicacy: honey. 

7 innovations transforming rural lives

May 2024

Small-scale farmers rely on new ideas, techniques and technologies to prosper in our rapidly changing world. Let’s explore seven innovations driving sustainable, inclusive rural development today.

After Cyclone Freddy, investment brings hope to rural Malawi

April 2024

Rural Malawians are still rebuilding and coming to terms with Freddy’s impacts. But thanks to much-needed investments in small-scale farming, hope is finally starting to appear on the horizon. 

Meet the women closing the digital divide in rural China

April 2024

Investing in women's digital empowerment can foster prosperity not just for them, but for entire communities. These three remarkable rural women revitalizing their villages in rural China are living proof of this.

The three types of biodiversity: explained

April 2024

Genetic, species, ecosystem: learn about the three main types of biodiversity and explore the role each plays in making agriculture productive, nutritious and resilient.

In Mozambique, a boost to private sector finance is a boost to rural communities

April 2024

Financial exclusion is acute in rural Mozambique, and women are disproportionately impacted. Closing the funding gap to catalyse private-sector investment in rural communities can make all the difference.

See how water and peace go hand in hand

March 2024

Peace and water are inextricably intertwined. That’s why sustainable rural development can help reduce conflict in communities – and why water is often the crucial element that can make the difference.

Invest in rural women

March 2024

Investing in women is the surest way to prosperity – and a world without hunger. That’s why IFAD invests in women. They’re the smartest investment in a sustainable future.

Champions of change: Meet the winners of the 2024 IFAD Gender Awards

March 2024

Visit the five inspiring winners of this year’s Gender Awards and find out how they’re addressing the harmful practices, social norms and economic disparities that keep women from achieving their potential.

Twenty years on from the first Farmers’ Forum, four farming leaders weigh in

February 2024

We asked four farmers’ organization leaders from around the world about current challenges, new developments and their hopes for the future at the eighth global meeting of the Famers’ Forum.

Recipes for Change: Nsima with chicken casserole and khobwe balls

February 2024

Learn how to make a delicious and sustainable Malawian meal with these recipes collected from rural communities by Chef Sophie Grigson.

A guide to the pulses that power our planet

February 2024

Pulses are at the heart of thriving rural communities, and an essential ingredient for a sustainable future. Learn about some of these superfoods – and how to cook them with our Recipes for Change!

Strengthening rural value chains, one link at a time

February 2024

A well-oiled agricultural value chain allow small-scale farmers to make the most of their produce. That’s why IFAD works with rural communities around the world to strengthen local value chains and overcome the challenges that arise along the way.

The wonderful power of wetlands

February 2024

Wetlands are closely linked with our wellbeing – they protect against erosion, improve water quality, and host a vast range of species. Let’s visit some of these precious ecosystems and meet the rural people protecting them.

In rural China, greenhouses bring new life to the desert

January 2024

Growing food is a challenge in the harsh desert landscape of northwestern China. But thanks to new greenhouses built by a local cooperative, this village is bursting with fruits, vegetables and mushrooms.

Clean energy, thriving rural communities

January 2024

Rural communities need energy to develop, but in a rapidly heating world, a green transition is crucial. Renewable sources, like solar power and biogas, are allowing them to prosper without relying on polluting fossil and wood fuels.

Why we celebrate international days: your questions answered

January 2024

There’s an international day for nearly every global issue you can think of. Learn how they come into being, the key observances for rural people – and why they matter.

Early warning systems help small-scale farmers prepare for climate change

January 2024

Climate change is making extreme weather events more intense and frequent.  With IFAD’s support, small-scale farmers are getting the advanced warning they need to limit damage to their livelihoods and recover faster.

Rural youth breathe fresh life into Sri Lanka

December 2023

Young people are crucial contributors to prosperous rural communities. Meet two entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka who are working hard to make a difference. 

A year of rural stories

December 2023

For countless people in IFAD-supported projects, 2023 was a year in which their lives changed. Here are some of the stories we told over the past 12 months.

 

From city to soil: Young graduates seek a better life in rural areas

December 2023

All over the world university graduates are trading in cities for rural areas. IFAD is helping to create employment opportunities so that young people can earn a living and stay connected to the land.

Self-sufficient farming for better health in the remote Pacific

December 2023

Rural people in Kiribati are leading the way in sustainable farming, making nutritious foods available and creating a foundation for better health in the years to come.

Integrated farming strengthens climate resilience in Cambodia

December 2023

Integrated farming provides ecosystem benefits and builds climate resilience. Find out how this system is strengthening Cambodia’s small-scale farmers and their communities.

The world is not prepared for climate change

December 2023

For rural people, the climate nightmare is a reality. They urgently need support to adapt to a changing world. To do this, IFAD is issuing three calls to action – find out what they are.

Persons with disabilities and IFAD join forces to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

December 2023

In a world of climate catastrophes, rising food prices and global instability, find out how persons with disabilities are taking their rightful place in the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

COP: Where does it come from and where is it going?

November 2023

COP is an annual meeting where decision makers discuss how best to tackle climate change. But how did the summit come to be and what difference does it make for rural people? Find out here.

Bringing global finance to rural development

November 2023

The path towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has never seemed more precarious. Find out how IFAD is using private investment to secure prosperity and sustainable development for the world’s poorest communities.

Fishing for a better future in Nigeria

November 2023

In Nigeria, aquaculture brings new opportunities to rural youth and helps to reduce the country’s unemployment rate.

How indigenous youth are grappling with climate change

November 2023

Climate change is having a huge impact on Indigenous Peoples all over the world. We sat down with three indigenous youth to talk about how erratic weather patterns are affecting their communities and how they are drawing on tradition and technology to cope with it.

In Egypt, PRIDE brings water to the wadi

November 2023

Generations of farmers in Egypt have used valley beds to grow figs and olives, but today’s erratic weather patterns have caused land degradation, soil erosion and a drop in yields. Find out how water management technology is bringing these flavoursome fruits back to life.

A Patchwork of Rural Lives

October 2023

Rural people are safeguarding our planet with their generational knowledge, a unique affinity to the land and perseverance. They also grow much of the food that feeds us. But who are they beyond their role as farmers, fishers and herders? 

A healthy diet for a healthy people in Laos

October 2023

IFAD is working to tackle malnutrition and food security in Laos. Find out how the Agriculture for Nutrition Programme has improved the diets of rural communities across northern parts of the country.

Everyone wins with school meals

October 2023

Find out how small-scale farmers can get locally grown food to the children who need it, when they need it, while earning a decent income and supporting their families and communities.

More food with every drop

October 2023

Water is key to food and agriculture, but with many parts of the world increasingly affected by water scarcity, it’s critical that we use it wisely. Luckily, small-scale farmers are up to the challenge.  

Sing for Rural Women

October 2023

Women are the driving force behind rural communities, yet they have less resources, time and decision-making power than men. Join us and Soweto Gospel Choir and sing for rural women so more people can hear why they matter.

With the right resources, rural women can change the world

October 2023

When rural women access finance, the entire world flourishes. Find out how financially empowered women are leading the fight against climate change, achieving sustainable development and ensuring food security for their communities and the planet.

Thriving in Türkiye: meet the women lifting themselves out of poverty

October 2023

All over the world rural women face numerous challenges that men do not. Find out how an IFAD-funded project in Türkiye is providing them with the tools to lift themselves out of poverty and thrive.

Four questions with IFAD’s new Vice-President

October 2023

Meet IFAD’s new Vice-President. Gerardine Mukeshimana discusses the importance of investing in rural communities, climate change adaptation and giving women access to resources.

10 ways to reduce food loss: lessons from the field

September 2023

Food loss occurring after harvest and before retail sale, also termed post-harvest loss, is a key challenge in many developing countries and one that IFAD is committed to alleviate.

This is what sustainable development looks like: How IFAD projects reap rewards long after they end

September 2023

Investing in rural communities is a long-term solution to many of the problems the world is facing – but projects must keep giving, long after they’ve come to an end. Find out more about IFAD’s longtail impacts across the globe.

How IFAD promotes peace

September 2023

Poverty is both a symptom and a driver of conflict. That’s why IFAD supports the poorest and most marginalized people as they contribute to a more peaceful world where everyone can access dignified work that fosters shared economic prosperity.

Why the Sustainable Development Goals matter: your questions answered

September 2023

As countries meet to evaluate how much progress has been made towards the Sustainable Development Goals, find out more about these 17 objectives and why they’re important for the rural communities we work with.

Earthquake devastates poor rural communities in Morocco

September 2023

A devastating earthquake in Morocco has rocked rural communities. IFAD’s team are on the ground to understand how our project participants and the projects themselves have been affected.

Recipes for Change: Gaeng Nor Mai Som (Lao soured bamboo soup)

September 2023

Chef Saeng's Gaeng Nor Mai Som, a hearty and delicious Lao sour bamboo soup, takes us on a flavourful journey into the heart of Southeast Asia.

South-South action to confront development challenges

September 2023

Rural people across the world live in a dizzying array of contexts, yet they face surprisingly similar struggles. Through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, countries in the Global South learn from each other and share resources so they can overcome development challenges together.

What are Public Development Banks? Your questions answered

September 2023

Public Development Banks are a crucial but often underappreciated force driving global change for the better. As the world confronts compounding crises, we deep dive into PDBs and why they matter for rural people.

Why farmers’ organizations matter: Your questions answered

August 2023

Farmers’ organizations mean small-scale farmers can access markets, inputs, finance and information that would otherwise be hard to come by. Find out what farmers’ organisations are and what IFAD is doing to support them.

Healthy planet, healthy people: How IFAD and GEF are partnering to transform the world

August 2023

Small-scale farmers need financial support to face the climate crisis. For the last 20 years, IFAD and the Global Environment Facility have been supporting rural communities as they build food systems that nourish us all.

Young people hold the key to Africa’s green economy

August 2023

Young people in rural areas are struggling to find work and earn an income. Here’s how the green transition is changing that in Africa. 

Indigenous youth are shaping our world

August 2023

Indigenous youth not only embody many generations of tradition, but they are also the guardians of our future. By playing critical roles in today's society, they are shaping a better world.

Recipes for Change: Stuffed vine leaves

August 2023

Stuffed vine leaves are prevalent across much of the Middle East and the Mediterranean – in fact, there are countless variations of this dish.

We must do more to curb obesity and overweight in low- and middle-income countries

August 2023

Overweight and obesity are on the rise in low- and middle-income countries. Here’s what we can do to help reverse this health crisis.

Five ways IFAD is making livestock more climate friendly

July 2023

Countless rural people depend on livestock for livelihoods, nutrition and traditional ways of life. Supporting small-scale farmers to become even greener can strengthen food systems, preserve livelihoods and benefit our planet.

It’s time we treat the transformation of food systems like the emergency that it is

July 2023

Our current food systems cannot keep up with the world’s growing population – as a result, millions face hunger. Now more than ever, countries must take action to transform how food gets from farm to plate.

As temperatures rise, so too does our need for diverse crops

July 2023

Drought is the number one cause of agricultural production loss. This is why IFAD supports small-scale farmers as they grow crops that are resilient, but often neglected.

IFAD Annual Report 2022

July 2023

The Annual Report provides milestones and highlights from IFAD’s work during 2022. Readers can learn how IFAD is supporting rural people to build their resilience to the crises of today and tomorrow, and of the different initiatives that will put us in a position to achieve even greater impact.

Agricultural programmes are key to food security and dietary diversity

July 2023

Agricultural programmes are key to food security and dietary diversity in rural areas, we must continue investing in them.

Zero Hunger: Are we on track to achieve it by 2030?

July 2023

The SOFI 2023 report reveals that many people are still going hungry, with the world’s most vulnerable regions and people worst affected. We explore what is causing hunger today and how we can make real change, now.

From bunnies to buffalo, livestock give rural women a living

July 2023

Meet the rural women who are tending to livestock while earning a living and empowering themselves.

The people feeding the world should get their due

July 2023

Despite their gruelling work, rural people all over the world aren’t getting a fair return. Find out how IFAD is empowering small-scale farmers to earn and produce more, while improving their working conditions.

Five decades of rural transformation: IFAD's greatest successes

July 2023

Since its founding in 1977, IFAD has worked to enable rural people all over the world to overcome immense challenges and thrive. We take a look at some of our biggest successes over the years.

Innovation matters, especially for small-scale farmers

June 2023

IFAD applies the latest tools and technologies to support small-scale farmers. Here are six examples of innovations proven to work for rural communities all over the world.

From the field to our plates, rural people are transforming food systems

June 2023

Our food systems need to change. Around the world, small-scale farmers, fishers and rural producers are already leading the transformation – here’s how.

Lifelong hobbies become lifelines for Syrian refugees in Jordan

June 2023

Since 2011, over 700,000 Syrian refugees have crossed the border into Jordan. Here, both refugees and host communities in rural areas frequently struggle with poverty as water scarcity, feed shortage and rangeland degradation make farming a challenge. Meet three refugees that IFAD is helping to face these challenges.

Her land, her rights: How land ownership can transform the lives of women - and hold back desertification - in Niger

June 2023

Meet the woman who fought for her right to land ownership and contributed to halting drought and desertification.

A New Day is possible

June 2023

Small-scale farmers in developing countries produce one third of the world’s food. But today they are only one flood, one drought or one failed harvest away from ruin. To stem the impact of climate change on food security and to reduce poverty, IFAD is calling for more investment in rural communities - now.

A New Day: Q&A with the people IFAD supports

June 2023

IFAD's new film, ‘A New Day’, tells the story of Tunisia’s rural people and is a testament to their resilience as they battle to adapt to our changing weather. We speak to two IFAD-supported project participants about their daily struggles, as well as their hopes and dreams for the future.

Behind the Scenes of ‘A New Day’

June 2023

IFAD’s latest film, ‘A New Day’, was shot in Tunisia amid soaring temperatures. Get a behind the scenes look of how we made the film, the people we met and the challenges of shooting in an area dramatically affected by climate change.

 

Why development is a smart investment even in unstable times

June 2023

In an age of multiple intersecting crises, only a holistic approach to both humanitarian and development assistance can disrupt the cycle.

Debunking three myths about rural people and the environment

June 2023

The world is full of misconceptions about rural people and the environment. Find out what’s true and what’s not, as we debunk three major myths.  

Let's raise a glass to South Asia’s dairy farmers

June 2023

Milk is widely produced in South Asia, but not without its challenges. Here’s how IFAD helps small-scale farmers across the region optimize their production.

A new strategy for a new country: IFAD supports youth in South Sudan

May 2023

To transform rural lives we must build a strong understanding of the countries we operate in. Find out how IFAD is doing just that in South Sudan.

Rural people rely on biodiversity. Here's how IFAD protects it

May 2023

Biodiversity is especially important for small-scale farmers. Here’s how IFAD is further integrating it into projects all over the world.

Rural people make a beeline for prosperity

May 2023

On World Bee Day, meet the pollinators buzzing to protect our planet and the rural people taking care of them.

Brewing up a better future for Sri Lankan tea farmers

May 2023

Sri Lanka is among the world’s top five exporters of tea. But tea farmers here must balance making a profit and preserving the soil. Find out how IFAD is helping farmers diversify their income streams so they can be more resilient and secure a better life for themselves.

The sun is the unlikely solution to rural India's water problem

May 2023

In India, two rural villages find comfort in solar-powered water systems.

Winds of change for Argentina’s herders

May 2023

Climate change poses a myriad of challenges for Argentina’s rural herders. But one woman has no intention of backing down and tells us how she plans to forge a new way forward.

Five tips for journalists reporting on Indigenous Peoples

May 2023

Journalists can play an important role in telling the stories of Indigenous Peoples. Here are five ways in which the media can report on these important communities in a meaningful way.

 

Caravan of hope: How mobile shelters changed the lives of shepherds in Türkiye

April 2023

Shepherds in Türkiye rely on the Taurus Mountains for their livelihoods - but living and working in these highlands is no mean feat. Here’s how IFAD-funded caravans have provided them with more comfortable, hygienic and safe living conditions. 

Meet the farmers fighting for our ecosystems

April 2023
  • Ecosystems across the world are suffering huge losses. Here are three examples of how small-scale farmers are working to restore and conserve our habitats.

Behind the scenes of an IFAD project: Your top questions answered

April 2023

Find out what happens behind the scenes of an IFAD project as we answer our followers’ top questions.

Six proven ways to transform rural communities

March 2023

After 40 years working with rural people, here are some of the things we have learned to make our work under IFAD13 a success. 

From Nigeria to Nepal, going online helps rural women build businesses

March 2023

Meet the women using digital tools to build successful businesses and stronger communities.  

It’s not too late to prevent the worst-case scenario

March 2023

The IPCC’s latest Synthesis Report is a reminder that the power is in our hands to prevent the very worst outcomes of climate change—if we take decisive and ambitious action now.

When the world is drying up, every drop of water counts

March 2023

Climate change and a growing population are exacerbating water scarcity. As the water cycle is disrupted, farmers are coming up with inventive ways to harvest, store and use water. IFAD is helping them with simple but effective and climate-smart water infrastructure.

Turning dreams into reality in West Africa

March 2023

Young people in rural areas of West Africa are leaving unemployment behind and setting up successful agri-businesses.

As Cyclone Freddy breaks records, vulnerable rural people are in the eye of the storm

March 2023

For over a month, Cyclone Freddy has been battering south-east Africa. This may be the longest-lasting tropical cyclone ever recorded—and vulnerable rural communities are in the eye of the storm. We explain what this means for IFAD’s project participants in the region.

Meet the young entrepreneurs fighting to preserve and restore our biodiversity

March 2023

Young people the world over know that conserving our biodiversity is key to eradicating hunger and achieving a healthy and sustainable food system. Here’s how they’re fixing our broken planet.

A digital divide is holding rural women back. Here is what we can do to change this

March 2023

Many rural women are excluded from digital services. What is causing the digital divide and what can we do to end it?

From tulips to tomatoes: Technology empowers women in Asia

March 2023

In Pakistan and Bangladesh women are harnessing technology to connect to the world and build a business, one click at a time.

What difference does rural investment make to the world’s poorest people?

February 2023

As we begin our 13th replenishment, our Report on IFAD’s Development Effectiveness ensures we continue to efficiently invest in rural people, protect the planet and leave no one behind.

From coca leaves to cocoa beans: How farmers in the Peruvian Amazon are innovating using digital tools

February 2023

In Peru, IFAD-funded project helps small-scale farmers connect to new markets and access technical assistance online.

Rural people in Sudan call time on water wars

February 2023

As the climate crisis takes hold and water scarcity sparks conflict, rural people in Sudan are finding ways toward peace and equitable resource management.

Meet the winners of the Indigenous Peoples Awards 2023

February 2023

Through the Indigenous Peoples Awards, IFAD celebrates inspirational development projects that partnered with and made a real difference to indigenous communities in 2022

Georgia and Kyrgyzstan: sustained efforts toward collective community pasture management

February 2023

Pastoral communities in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan work hand in hand with IFAD to make land use more equitable, productive and sustainable.

How smallholder farmers in Madagascar, Burkina Faso and Eswatini endured the coronavirus pandemic

January 2023

When covid-19 brought the world to a standstill, IFAD helped farmers’ organizations adopt new ways of operating amid a global pandemic.

Putting rural people in the development driving seat in Ethiopia

January 2023

In Ethiopia, community driven development puts small-scale farmers in charge of identifying what they need to prosper and how development funding should be used. 

The Tunisian woman who weaved her way to a better life

January 2023

In rural Tunisia women are breaking free of gender norms and building successful businesses to provide for their families.

Fish farming brings prosperity in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

January 2023

Lao farmers are working hand in hand with IFAD to change rural fortunes through fish farming.

2022: Resilience in the face of adversity

December 2022

As we near the end of 2022, IFAD looks back on some of the themes that defined a year of dramatic change. 

Three innovative farming solutions made possible through South-South and Triangular Cooperation

December 2022

The importance of the South-South and Triangular Cooperation and three ways it changed the lives of smallholder farmers.

Lasting traditions: How Dao healers are custodians of indigenous knowledge and the natural environment

December 2022

In Viet Nam the Dao people treat ailments with local herbs, forest products and generational knowledge.

Rural people in crisis: The latest news from IFAD

December 2022

Rural people are still paying the highest price for the rise in food, fertilizer and fuel costs. The Crisis Response Initiative was set up as part of IFAD's ongoing efforts to build rural people's resilience to these shocks. Here are selected highlights on the crisis from our teams in the field.

In Sierra Leone, social inclusion that leaves no one behind

December 2022

In Sierra Leone, IFAD helps persons with disabilities overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic through farming.

Funding resilience in The Gambia

December 2022

In The Gambia, the second phase of IFAD’s Rural Poor Stimulus Facility helps vulnerable communities get back on their feet after the COVID-19 pandemic.

An old crop for a new crisis: how cassava helped Samoans through the pandemic

December 2022

Faced with the prospect of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Samoans turned to an ancient staple to feed their families and communities.

Rising sea levels threaten Egypt's fertile plains in the Nile Delta

December 2022

The Nile Delta is the breadbasket of Egypt, but climate change threatens agriculture here. IFAD is working to protect the land and improve the quality of previously infertile land. Sabrina Dhowre Elba, IFAD colleagues, and project coordinators and participants describe how this is changing people’s lives.

Here comes the sun: solar-powered irrigation brings crops back to life in Rwanda

December 2022

In rural Rwanda, solar-powered irrigation gives women farmers a sustainable alternative to time-consuming and expensive manual and diesel-powered systems.

Indigenous Peoples are protecting biodiversity, one harvest at a time

December 2022

To conserve biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples use centuries-old food systems anchored in sustainable practices and unique to their native ecosystems.

There’s a whole world beneath our feet.

December 2022

Healthy soil is key to the world’s food security. IFAD is helping farmers in Ethiopia shift from harmful pesticides to environmentally-friendly pest management treatments, in a bid to heal the earth beneath our feet.

How disability and the climate crisis converge

December 2022

18 million persons with disabilities are expected to be displaced by climatic events by 2050, we must urgently include them in climate action—both as participants and decision makers.

Opening opportunities for people with disabilities in rural Nepal

December 2022

In a remote village in wester Nepal, an IFAD-supported project is working to enhance the resilience of the most vulnerable members of the community, including women and people with disabilities.

Changing the world, one goal at a time

November 2022

IFAD partnered with Italy’s Serie B football league and international footballer Gianluca Lapadula to promote our work and raise awareness of the vital role small-scale farmers play in feeding the world.

It’s time to end violence against rural women

November 2022

Violence against women is one of the greatest barriers to sustainable development. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, let's reaffirm commitments to eliminate and prevent gender-based violence. 

 

COP27 is over. Here are five things the world must do now to move forward

November 2022

As the countdown clock to 2050 ticks ever louder, IFAD was at COP27 to share what we know about responding to climate change. Here are five solutions to help the world get back on track towards a more sustainable future.

Saving the Amazon: The story of the indigenous women fighting climate change

November 2022

In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, a group of indigenous women are fighting climate change through reforestation and ancestral farming techniques.

 

Why climate finance matters: Your questions answered

November 2022

Climate finance is complicated, and we get a lot of questions about everything it entails. We’ve put together some answers to the ones we receive most often.

Climate finance keeps carbon where it belongs: underground

November 2022

Climate finance is essential to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening and to protect the most vulnerable people from a climate breakdown.

Financing resilience: how ASAP+ is helping rural communities adapt to climate change

November 2022

When it comes to climate change, small-scale farmers are among the world’s most vulnerable communities. This is why IFAD focuses on climate resilient agriculture and climate finance through programmes like ASAP+.

Four ways small-scale fishers can help us weather the climate storm

November 2022

Climate change and environmental degradation are posing an unprecedented threat to the world. Find out how small-scale fishers are weathering the storm – and becoming part of the solution.

 

The planet is awash with climate disasters. Meet the rural people battling to endure them

November 2022

One year on from the biggest global commitment to financing climate adaptation at COP26, we are yet to see the actions needed to follow through on this promise. 

Seeing the bigger picture: 6 ways IFAD uses GIS to optimize climate investment

November 2022

Discover how IFAD uses Geographic Information Systems to better understand where and how climate change is affecting smallholder farming, and what is needed to mitigate its effects.  

A tale of two towns in Tajikistan

October 2022

In Tajikistan two neighbouring towns face different fates as one suffers the aftermath of drought and displacement and the other is saved by irrigation.

Five ways IFAD is helping to reduce rural poverty in an age of climate change

October 2022

Even when a world without poverty seems out of reach, here’s how IFAD continues to work in developing countries, amplifying the voices of rural people and integrating them into value chains, so they can earn and save, while feeding the world and conserving the natural environment. 

What’s on the menu in 2050?

October 2022

What’s on the menu in 2050? For World Food Day, we contemplate what our plates might look like in the future and explore how the world’s small-scale farmers are revolutionizing what we eat.  

Rural Women Rise

October 2022

Meet some of the inspiring women IFAD supports as they, in turn, bolster the people around them.

You are what you eat: Indigenous youths breathe new life into ancient traditions

October 2022

Young members of indigenous communities are working to reverse centuries of dispossession and preserve their way of life, including their food heritage. 

Water brings life to rural people

October 2022

Irrigation brings water to the world's poorest rural people in the right quantities and when they need it, helping farmers adapt to climate pattern shifts.

Mapping the way to a better future

September 2022

An inside look at how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help map projects and lift rural people out of poverty.

Solving a data dilemma in the Solomon Islands

September 2022

When the Solomon Islands began seeing its first cases of COVID-19 in early 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock activated emergency food relief efforts. But after years of neglecting data collection, how do you find and feed people without addresses, street names or house numbers?

IFAD’s hopes for UNGA77

September 2022

World leaders and the heads of UN agencies come together in New York this week for the UN General Assembly. As global crises compound and converge, now is the time for global action and common ground. IFAD’s President-elect, Alvaro Lario, will use this opportunity to advocate for rural people and push to transform food systems.

A new sustainable way to fish for better incomes and diets in Nigeria and Ghana

September 2022

Cage aquaculture is a greener, cheaper method of fish farming. Thanks to South-South and Triangular Cooperation, ProSCAWA is helping small-scale fishers get started with cage aquaculture and meet growing demand for fish.

It’s time to transform African agriculture. These numbers show why

September 2022

African agriculture is at a crucial juncture. It has enormous potential to not only feed Africa, but also the world. Yet, global conditions are holding small-scale African farmers back. Five numbers show how transforming African agriculture can make a big difference.

East Africa is experiencing its worst drought in decades. It’s time to invest in climate adaptation

August 2022

East Africa is experiencing one of the worst droughts in decades, with millions facing food insecurity as crops fail, livestock die and water sources dry up. Read how IFAD is building resilience to climate change and what else needs to be done.

Women-led sea patrols in the Philippines are protecting livelihoods and the ocean

August 2022

Coastal communities in the Philippines depend on the sea for sustenance, but these once thriving oceans are emptying due to climate change and harmful fishing practices. Local women are fighting back, protecting fisheries while using them sustainably.

Making money with honey in Türkiye

August 2022

The highlands of southern Türkiye are honey heaven. Meet two beekeepers who are building a flourishing honey business while protecting bees and, in turn, biodiversity.

Meet 3 young people in Bangladesh upskilling their communities

August 2022

With limited access to schools, markets and jobs, many young people leave Bangladesh’s Haor wetland region in search of more stable opportunities. Meet three young people IFAD is helping to upskill so they can generate an income while staying in the region.

The future is rural: Meet the young people determined to build a better future at home

August 2022

Rural youth around the world face a dilemma: their roots are in their rural homes, but it’s often hard to build a future there. Meet some of the young people IFAD is helping to devise solutions to the challenges they see around them and build more resilient futures.

5 indigenous words about the environment that don’t exist in English

August 2022

Indigenous peoples can teach us a lot about mitigating the impacts of climate change. Over generations, these communities have protected the biodiversity of their homes. They also use language in a powerful way to describe how they interact with the natural environment. Discover five unique words and concepts.

How IFAD worked with governments in Asia to build rural resilience during COVID-19

August 2022

The pandemic pushed up to 80 million people in Asia into extreme poverty. Governments across the region had to respond quickly as incomes fell and food security was threatened. IFAD worked with them to ensure vulnerable rural people got the support they needed.

After the tsunami, home gardens provide fresh food and renewed hope in Tonga

August 2022

When a massive tsunami devastated low-lying coastal areas in Tonga, local people had to rebuild their lives from scratch. For many, home gardens provided much needed fresh produce, as well as renewed hope for the future.

Key figures (and some letters) from IFAD’s 2021 Annual Report

July 2022

The world entered 2021 on a precipice. We all knew the path we had been on was unsustainable and inequitable, and that nothing less than transformative change would be needed for recovery. As we face the challenges 2022 brings, we’re looking back to the lessons we learned in 2021 to guide our next steps forward.

See how permaculture transformed farmland in Nepal from barren to lush

July 2022

When Megnath Ale Magar returned to his village in Nepal after a decade working abroad, he found a degraded land. In just three years, he transformed his barren farmland into a lush ecosystem using a permaculture approach.

How the war in Ukraine is affecting the most vulnerable countries in the world

July 2022

Five Country Directors from IFAD’s highest priority countries in its Crisis Response Initiative tell us how the war in Ukraine is impacting rural people on the ground.

From subsistence to self-sufficiency: how women in Sudan are using savings and credit groups to build a better future

July 2022

Climate change, commercial agribusiness, and societal norms threaten small-scale farmers’ way of life in a small village in Sudan. A women’s savings and credit group is changing this.

How over one million small-scale farmers in Pakistan got the information they needed to withstand the COVID crisis

July 2022

COVID-19 presented new challenges for poor rural farmers in Pakistan. An IFAD-supported project shared personalized advice to farmers via their mobile phones to help overcome the challenges of the pandemic.

Discovering the fruits of the forests in Viet Nam—and preserving them for future generations

July 2022

Vietnamese rural people need to farm to eat and make a living. But if they don’t do this sustainably, it can damage the land and degrade the forests. IFAD’s new project helps them manage their forests sustainably, while earning a decent living.

Meet 10 rural small businesses making a big difference

June 2022

Micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the cornerstones of a vibrant rural economy. Discover ten rural businesses from every continent that are thriving with IFAD's support.

Take a 360° tour of a small, thriving pig farm in the green hills of Lao PDR

June 2022

In the tiny village of Manh, nestled in the green uplands of Lao, agricultural production groups are coming together to develop their businesses and learn new techniques. For Boun Tham, groups like these made all the difference for his pig farm.

Recipes for Change: Rice and beans with jackfruit meat and sautéed vegetables

June 2022

The main element in Chef Gil’s vegan dish is jackfruit, a truly sustainable crop. Calorie-dense and nutrient-rich, jackfruit are known for their nutritive value and their resilience against climatic shifts. With a unique texture akin to pulled pork, their versatility in the kitchen is unmatched.

Against the backdrop of conflict and COVID-19, IFAD is helping farmers grow in Yemen

June 2022

Years of conflict in Yemen have taken their toll – and among all of the devastation that’s been wrought, the country’s agricultural sector is one of the hardest hit. Now, an IFAD-supported initiative is helping Yemeni farmers get back on their feet.

Recipes for Change: Cricket japchae

June 2022

Japchae is a traditional Korean dish known for its versatility. Chef Yoon’s version features crickets, a superfood packed with essential nutrients. If you’re looking for a new source of protein with almost no greenhouse gas emissions – or you’re just feeling adventurous – give this recipe a try.

Recipes for Change: Millet upma & jackfruit curry

June 2022

Millets – grain-producing grasses that can be found on farms all over the world – were at risk of being forgotten entirely amid the rise of industrial agriculture. They’ve made a comeback in recent years, thanks to a growing awareness of their nutritional and environmental benefits among farmers, chefs and consumers.

Recipes for Change: Lentil and sorghum curry with flatbread (liphaphatha)

June 2022

This dish is Chef Ska Moteane’s take on a traditional Lesotho recipe. It combines sorghum, a drought-tolerant crop grown in Lesotho, with lentils, a legume that takes well to the country’s cold highland villages, and adds a burst of nutrient-packed vegetables and fragrant curry spices.

Recipes for Change: Butternut squash, spinach & black-eyed peas with fonio

June 2022

A stew made with sustainable ingredients is comfort food at its best: good for you and good for the planet. This stew, presented by Chef Pierre Thiam, is inspired by ingredients from his childhood in Senegal. It features black-eyed peas (also known as cow peas), a central cultural element of West African cuisines.

Recipes for Change: Pasta, potatoes & asparagus

June 2022

For Chef Bowerman, this recipe is all about buying locally and working with the local ecosystem. It features anchovies – a favourite in her native Italy, and widely available all over the world – blended with rich, hearty pasta and potato.

It’s been 50 years since the first Stockholm Conference. What have leaders done to protect our planet since?

June 2022

In June 1972, members of the United Nations gathered in Stockholm for the first-ever conference on protecting the environment. Fifty years later, global leaders are returning to where it all began to decide where we go from here.

What is life like for farmers on Moldova’s border with Ukraine?  

May 2022

On Moldova’s border with Ukraine, the resilience of rural farmers is being put to the test due to the spill over effects from the war.

Our planet is losing its biodiversity. Here are five ways IFAD and rural people are protecting it

May 2022

Biodiversity is the key to all the essential benefits we get from nature: from clean air to our ability to regulate the climate. At IFAD, we integrate protecting biodiversity into everything we do.

How farmers around the world are protecting nature’s delicate balance – and reaping the rewards

May 2022

Healthy ecosystems are diverse ecosystems. And at IFAD, we believe that small-scale farmers are amongst the greatest stewards and beneficiaries of biodiversity.

IFAD a key player in U.S. Treasury Department’s Action Plan to address rising food insecurity

May 2022

International Financial Institutions (IFIs) play a crucial role in responding to shocks at scale. They contribute financing, technical assistance, knowledge, and engage with policymakers to address rising food insecurity. Recognizing the essential role of IFIs in times of crises, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has released an IFI Action Plan to Address Food Insecurity.

As COP15 tackles desertification, here are three ways IFAD is helping farmers in sub-Saharan Africa build their resilience to climate change

May 2022

Sub-Saharan Africa’s drylands – that is, the areas where more water is lost through evaporation than gained through rainfall – are facing widespread degradation. There are many factors causing this, but one of the most prominent is the use of agricultural practices that aren’t adapted to the land, such as overgrazing and intensive agriculture.

The thin green line that’s holding back the Sahara desert

May 2022

The Great Green Wall was envisioned as a line of trees stretching across Africa to protect against desertification. Today, it is a mosaic of farms, forests, and wilderness, where sustainable agriculture is the norm and rural-dwellers thrive.

These numbers show that restoring drylands and preventing desertification is good for the planet – and good for us

May 2022

From California to the Sahel, from the steppes of Central Asia to the Andes, drylands are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world. But they’re also some of the most fragile.

In rural Morocco, one woman’s efforts transform the lives of many

May 2022

When Fatima-Zohra first arrived in her new home, a rural village in the Moroccan highlands, she discovered the local women didn’t have many job opportunities. But they were enthusiastic about the idea of going into business for themselves – and so Fatima-Zohra got to work.

IFAD’s response to the war in Ukraine

May 2022

The war in Ukraine is not only a humanitarian crisis, but is also increasing food and fuel prices, which in turn impact the world’s most vulnerable people. In response, IFAD has established a Crisis Response Initiative dedicated to supporting small-scale producers most affected by the Ukraine crisis.

Why free, prior and informed consent is so important for indigenous peoples

April 2022

At the heart of this year’s session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is “free, prior and informed consent.” Quite a mouthful! But what does it really mean? And why does it matter?

Indigenous peoples lead adaptation efforts through IFAD’s dedicated funding

April 2022

Over the millennia, indigenous peoples have developed practices that honour the interconnectedness of people and nature – yet all too often, their contributions are overlooked and devalued. IFAD is committed to supporting indigenous peoples in overcoming poverty and meeting global challenges through building on their identities and cultures.

How the war in Ukraine impacts the world

April 2022

Conflict and food insecurity go hand-in-hand. Stable food systems and sustainable development are simply not possible without peace.

Agriculture is not just a contributor to climate change. It is an essential part of the solution - IFAD’s reaction to the latest IPCC report

April 2022

While we can no longer avoid climate change, we can still limit its impacts. It is time we start viewing agriculture as an essential part of the solution.

Communities use GIS maps to conserve forests and adapt to climate change

March 2022

Making the right decisions about managing natural resources isn’t always easy. That’s especially true for watersheds, where the local ecosystem depends on the health of multiple waterways. Now, GIS technology is helping communities in rural Nepal monitor and preserve the forests fed by local watersheds.

From biotechnologist to artisanal cheesemaker

March 2022

Ibtissèm’s career in the pharmaceutical industry was off to a strong start, but she put it on hold when her mother fell ill. Back in her hometown in central Tunisia, she needed a new way to support herself and her mother – and then she realized that her skills would serve her well in her town’s bustling dairy industry.

Meet some of the women leading sustainable development around the world

March 2022

Sustainable development can only be achieved with the contributions of rural women, yet they face many challenges. Let’s meet three women who have transformed their lives with the help of the JP RWEE initiative.

Recipes for Change: Sri Lanka - Polos Curry

March 2022

In Sri Lanka, the climate crisis is causing rising temperatures, increasingly extreme weather events and variable precipitation patterns are harming agricultural productivity and food security. Through the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership Programme, IFAD offers solutions for rural people, including promoting jackfruit among smallholder farmers because of its high value and resilience.

Uncovering the truths about groundwater

March 2022

Below our feet lies a hidden treasure: groundwater. It sustains ecosystems and provides food, drink and livelihoods for billions. And as climate patterns change with global heating, this reliable water source is becoming ever more important for food security and livelihoods.

In Moldova, shelter belt forests build rural livelihoods and protect against climate change impacts

March 2022

Forests are an excellent buffer against the effects of climate change. They’re also home to a variety of native plant and animal species that can foster resilient, sustainable local economies.

IFAD and UN Women join hands for rural women’s empowerment in China

March 2022

IFAD and UN Women were each working in rural China, helping women access new opportunities and gain an equal say in their communities. Then the two agencies decided to collaborate, opening up new ways to fulfil their respective mandates – rural development on one hand, and women’s empowerment on the other.

From virtual reality to virtual field visits: How IFAD used technology to stay connected to the people we serve during COVID

March 2022

Two years ago, COVID-19 closures forced us all apart – but the creative use of technology helped keep us together. Today, with tech giants promising to take all of us into the metaverse, IFAD is exploring how cutting-edge technology can help us see the world through each other’s eyes.

In The Gambia, targeted COVID-19 support helps small businesses flourish

March 2022

Back in early 2020, when the first waves of COVID-19 were spreading around the world, IFAD launched the RPSF as a multi-donor initiative to sustain rural people around the world during the pandemic. With the RPSF’s help, many were able to start small businesses – and today, those businesses are sustaining local economies and building resilience.

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