IFAD and China promote climate-resilient agriculture and reforestation in Pakistan

Islamabad, 17 December 2019 – Climate-resilient and sustainable reforestation practices to support Pakistan's national development is the focus of a one-day seminar convened by IFAD and the governments of China and Pakistan in Islamabad today.

The seminar will provide an opportunity for development experts from IFAD, China and Pakistan to share innovative solutions, experiences and knowledge on how to develop resilient and high-value cropping systems, proven technical solutions to combat desertification, and other related technologies that can be applied to the local context.

“This year has brought extreme weather to every corner of the world. Our best chance of adapting to these rapidly changing conditions is through investing in smallholder farmers, while equipping them with the skills and resources needed to minimise the impact of agriculture on the environment,” said Hubert Boirard, IFAD Country Director for Pakistan, in lead-up to the event.

In Pakistan, high levels of agricultural production and the continuously increasing population place great demands on Pakistan’s water resources. Lack of rain and other climate-related trends have further stressed the agriculture sector.

At the seminar, IFAD representatives will share their experience in developing strategies and policies that contribute to sustainable rural poverty reduction and support smallholder farmers in rural communities to mitigate the effects of climate change.

China will share its expertise in climate-resilient agriculture and reforestation and afforestation techniques, and its interest in promoting knowledge sharing through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, particularly in context of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative collaboration with Pakistan.

“There are lessons to be learnt from China’s technological advancement for smallholder farmers. Pakistan is interested in adopting agricultural technologies that will enable them to farm sustainably,” said Sher Ali Arbab, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC and a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly. The Chairman added that he hoped that agriculture cooperation between the two nations would help grow their relationship and give opportunities to both countries for strong investment and joint ventures in the future.

Since 1979, IFAD has implemented 27 projects in Pakistan, for a total cost of US$2.8 billion, benefiting more than 17 million people.

More information on IFAD’s work in Pakistan. 

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PR/54/2019

IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided US$21.5 billion in grants and low-interest loans to projects that have reached about 491 million people. IFAD is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency based in Rome – the United Nations’ food and agriculture hub.