The context

Panama is a high-income country, but significant gaps remain in terms of rural poverty and malnutrition, particularly among Indigenous Peoples.  

Panama’s dependence on fuel imports for transport and electricity leaves it exposed to global market fluctuations. It is also dependent on food and fertilizer imports. 

The strategy

IFAD improves the wellbeing of poor smallholders, focusing on climate adaptation strategies and empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth and women.  

Key activities include: 

• enhancing food security and climate resilience for smallholder communities by building resilient food systems; and 

• sharing best practices and lessons learnt on rural development and climate resilience. 

Country facts

• Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Panama’s economy grew four times the regional average.
• Seventeen per cent of people cannot afford a healthy diet.