Rural finance
With access to finance, rural people can produce more, grow their enterprises, earn more and get through hard times.
What we do - IFAD
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What we do
©IFAD/David Rose
Simply put, IFAD invests in rural people.
Programmes for progress
We reduce poverty, improve nutrition and increase food production by providing loans and grants that transform rural communities.
We develop solutions with governments and rural people themselves so that our investments solve the issues at hand while laying the foundations for thriving rural economies in the long-term.
For rural people, by rural people
The more engaged rural people are as decision-makers, the greater our impact. That's why we take a people-centred approach to transforming rural livelihoods.
Our investments support those most vulnerable, including women, youth, Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities. In this way, our work not only helps rural people grow and earn more, but it also promotes gender equality and inclusiveness.
Making finance work for those who need it most
The global financial system often excludes those who could benefit most from it. That’s why IFAD provides financing to governments at favourable terms so they can transform their economies.
Our investments empower rural communities to flourish.We are constantly exploring new financing mechanisms so we can have an even greater impact.
Measuring what matters
To understand whether IFAD is making a difference, we systematically measure results, including through impact assessments.
Each of our projects includes a monitoring and evaluation system for collecting data so we can identify what works. Our Independent Office of Evaluation conducts independent project evaluations which offer additional insights.
Embracing innovation
In an increasingly complex world, we cannot rely on conventional approaches to respond to today’s challenges.
We need innovation to make rural development sustainable, resilient and equitable. IFAD tests and learns to deliver better results. We co-finance proven innovations that can be scaled up.