Comunicados de prensa | 17 enero 2025

GFFA 2025: IFAD advocates for greater global support for small-scale farmers

Berlin, 17 January 2025. At the 17th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will advocate for stronger global support and investment for small-scale farmers, focusing on promoting diverse, nutritious, and resilient food production practises.

“Small-scale farmers are the backbone of our global food systems, producing one-third of the world’s food while facing disproportionate impacts from climate change and economic instability,” said Gérardine Mukeshimana, IFAD Vice President. “Investing in their resilience and livelihoods is not only a moral imperative – it is a strategic solution to some of the world's most pressing challenges”.

IFAD focuses on small-scale producers and rural entrepreneurs to support their transition to adopt circular economic solutions, involving and including them in developing and implementing innovation processes, and strengthening land and natural resource governance systems.

“Supporting these farmers not only strengthens local economies but also enhances global food security, stabilizes international markets, and contributes to sustainable development. This approach is not only ethically right; it is an economic necessity that benefits nations and communities worldwide," said Mukeshimana.

The GFFA is organized by the German Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Berlin, and takes place from the 15 to 18 January 2025, within the framework of the Berlin International Green Week (IGW). The focus will be on farming a sustainable bioeconomy.

Small-scale farmers are essential

Small-scale farmers are essential to global climate solutions. As part of global food systems, which account for one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, small-scale food producers also hold the key to sustainable practices that mitigate climate impacts.

“By empowering these farmers, we can promote agroecological practices, reduce emissions, and preserve biodiversity,” said Rikke Grand Olivera, IFAD’s Lead Global Technical Specialist, Land Tenure and Natural Resources Management.

Food systems are at a critical juncture: 735 million people suffering from hunger worldwide and over 3 billion unable to afford a healthy diet. Supporting small-scale farmers increases agricultural productivity and ensures access to nutritious food.

Germany’s leading role

For IFAD, Germany remains a vital partner in achieving these goals through its leadership in sustainable development and innovation. Initiatives like Energiewende, a policy focussing on transitioning from fossil fuels and nuclear energy to renewable energy sources, and the Climate Action Programme 2030, setting a price on CO₂ emissions and introducing measures to promote innovation and investment in sustainable technologies, demonstrate how economic growth and environmental policies can reinforce each other.

“Germany is a global leader in sustainable development”, highlighted Vice-President Mukeshimana. Germany’s leadership in sustainable financing, such as the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), aligns with IFAD’s mission to create sustainable, equitable and inclusive food systems.

Media contact: Felice Giovanni Binetti | [email protected] | +49 1795261770

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Press release No.: IFAD/03/2025

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency. Based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided more than US$24 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries.

A wide range of photographs and broadcast-quality video content of IFAD’s work in rural communities are available for download from our Image Bank.

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