The Context

Colombia has a diverse culture, abundant natural resources and is making progress in reducing violence. Despite this, it still has one of the highest levels of economic inequality in the world. 

Poverty affects 39 per cent of the total population but 44 per cent of rural people. Other challenges include migration from Venezuela, rising food insecurity, lack of opportunities for rural youth and recurring violence from armed groups. 

Agriculture generates 8.3 per cent of GDP and makes up 16 per cent of employment. Climate change affects small-scale rural producers, with water shortages likely to become more significant. 

The Strategy

IFAD loans and grants help rural people increase their productivity and income. IFAD also strengthens institutional and legal frameworks to foster rural development and peace agreements.  

Key activities include: 

• enhancing small-scale producers’ assets, organizational capacity, access to markets, and access to inclusive financial and public services; 

• partnering with institutions to strengthen public policy and institutional frameworks; 

• strengthening partnerships with the private sector; and 

• scaling up innovations to tackle challenges such as food insecurity, climate change and rural poverty.