International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Why in news?
India and IFAD celebrate transformative partnership building rural livelihoods and food security
About
- The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a United Nations specialized agency dedicated to transforming agriculture and rural economies in developing countries.
- Established in 1977 following the World Food Conference, it focuses on empowering rural poor, including smallholder farmers, women, and indigenous communities, through low-interest loans and grants.​
- Headquartered in Rome, IFAD has 180 member states and invests about $1 billion annually, reaching millions through over 2,000 projects.
Mandate and Objectives
- IFAD's core mandate involves reducing rural poverty, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- It supports projects that boost productivity, improve market access, and build climate resilience for vulnerable groups.
- Since inception, IFAD has provided over $23 billion in funding, leveraging additional co-financing for initiatives in more than 100 countries.​
Key Operations
- IFAD finances rural infrastructure like irrigation and storage, while emphasizing innovation in farming techniques and value chains.
- It prioritizes marginalized populations, offering favorable lending terms to governments for on-lending to beneficiaries.
- In India, projects target states like Bihar and Rajasthan for smallholder farming and women's empowerment.​
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