The People Behind Your Plate

Rural women and men are at the heart of our sustainable future. They are the foundation of the food systems that provide nutritious food for us all.

The people you will meet in this virtual coffee table book are all participants in IFAD projects who come from some of the world’s most fragile and remote communities. Although their stories are unique, they resonate with us because they speak of challenges we all share as we seek to build a more sustainable future for ourselves, our families and our world.

The book is organized around the “5 Ps” of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnerships. The work that rural people do, including growing food and taking care of precious natural resources, is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda.

The Sustainable Development Goals outline 17 areas for eliminating poverty and hunger, protecting the planet, and promoting peace and prosperity. These priorities are fundamental to the transformation of rural areas. The stories in this book show how IFAD invests in rural people to support their efforts, knowledge and skills as they help solve some of the world’s most urgent challenges.