Farms. Food. Future.

When rural people in different developing countries exchange knowledge, technology and resources to solve common problems, they can multiply their impact. That’s the power of South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC). In this episode, we explore how IFAD catalyses SSTC to drive sustainable, inclusive rural development. Join us on a deep dive into the history of SSTC and discover its lasting im...

With a wide-ranging network of donors, international financial institutions and development agencies, the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) has become a critical part of the rural development landscape. From the Italian G7 to the world of sustainable blended finance, we take a look behind the scenes of the essential and innovative financial work it does for rural communities arou...

Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide. And with most of it produced by our food systems, farmers have a critical role to play in reducing emissions. On this episode, we explore practical and sustainable solutions to reduce agriculture's methane footprint. From Mongolia to Kyrgyzstan , join us to find out what IFAD is doing to support scall-scale farmers i...

Bamboo has a rapid growth rate and can sequester carbon from the atmosphere . But despite its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture, the power of this versatile plant has yet to be harnessed around the world. On this episode, we embark on a journey to the Amazon rainforest in Colombia, where IFAD is supporting rural communities in cultivating a previously undocumented native species o...

We might not notice, but beneath our feet our planet is silently tackling climate change. It is estimated that soil-dwelling fungi absorb 13 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. That’s equivalent to 36 per cent of all fossil fuel emissions! On this episode, we unveil these invisible climate warriors – and discuss how we can protect them and their role in sustainable development. Join us as we...

Amid mounting global challenges, ending hunger by 2030 remains stubbornly out of reach. In East and Southern Africa , IFAD is working to get back on track by investing in the people who produce a third of the world’s food: small-scale farmers. In this episode, we dive into the innovations farmers are using to transform the region's food systems for the better. Get the lowdown on nutritional educat...

For rural economies to grow sustainably, simply having food to eat is not enough. Diets must also be nutritious to ensure good health and thriving communities On this episode, we explore how IFAD-funded projects in the Near East, Europe, Central Asia and North are diversifying and strengthening diets among the region's small-scale farmers. Travel from the flourishing school gardens of Tajikistan a...

Empowering women is essential to transforming our planet’s food systems. That’s why each year, IFAD recognizes projects from around the world that go the extra mile for gender equality. In this episode, you’ll hear from the winners of this year’s IFAD Gender Awards. From changing household norms in Madagascar to amplifying women’s voices in Montenegro, learn how these five trailblazing projects ar...

Con el auge de los teléfonos inteligentes y las redes sociales, las comunidades rurales están ahora conectadas globalmente. En nuestra primera edición en español de Farms. Food. Future., exploramos cómo los jóvenes rurales e indígenas de América Latina utilizan estas plataformas para promover su cultura y la conservación ambiental. Viajaremos por la región, explorando la producción de café agroeco...

Indigenous Peoples live in more than 90 countries and account for 6.2 per cent of the world’s population. Yet to this day, they suffer from widespread discrimination. To mark International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples , we shine a spotlight on Indigenous Peoples’ role essential role in building a sustainable future. Discover how communities in Peru, Colombia and Puerto Rico are protecting...

Imagine a thin green line of hope stretching 8,000 km across northern Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. This is the Great Green Wall : an African-led land restoration project that aims to hold back encroaching desertification in the Sahel. In this episode, we take a close look at what could one day be the largest living structure on our planet . Join us as our Associate Vice-Presiden...

Despite Africa’s immense potential to feed the world, a fifth of its population struggles with chronic hunger and malnutrition. But from its fields to its markets, small-scale farmers are envisaging a different future. In this episode, we embark on a culinary journey across West Africa and introduce IFAD’s newest Recipes for Change chef, Crystelle Pereira . We also continue our Global Donor Platfo...

Rural LGBTQ+ people face significant challenges and discrimination compared to their urban peers. But they are essential to building a more inclusive future for agriculture. To mark Pride Month, we speak with members of the community about their experiences. Hear from LGBTQ+ farmers forging inclusive spaces in vegetable farming , beekeeping and beyond. We also pick up where we left off last episod...

Food systems transformation must be sustainable and inclusive, so nobody is left behind. With the right support, every farmer can rise above challenges and drive development, while empowering others to do the same. From Malawi to Brazil, hear from farmers with disabilities who are rewriting the agricultural narrative. We also explore the importance of racial equity and food sovereignty in global f...

It's no secret nature is under threat: the world has seen global wildlife populations drop by two thirds over the past 50 years, and agriculture is partly to blame. But from beekeeping to reforestation, small-scale farmers around the planet are doing their part to reverse this trend. To celebrate World Biodiversity Day, we explore how rural communities are making farming green again. Tune in to he...

In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy swept across Malawi , devastating a country already struggling with hunger and poverty. But a year on, hope for a brighter future is returning to its farms .   On this episode, you'll hear directly from the rural Malawians who are building back stronger with IFAD's support. Our Country Director for Malawi, Bernadette Mukonyora, gives us an insight into the path t...

Despite being a major contributor to global emissions, farming might just hold the key to solving the climate crisis. When agriculture is regenerative, it becomes a win-win for people and planet, increasing food security while protecting the environment. We unpack this method of sustainable farming and explore how small-scale farmers can harness it to lead the way to a food-secure future. Hear fro...

Over 80 per cent of our planet's biodiversity is found on the territories of Indigenous Peoples, who have been farming for generations while caring for forests, deserts, grasslands and oceans. By growing food sustainably, they are leading the way on transforming food systems. On this episode, Indigenous leaders from Nepal, Mexico and Kenya weigh in on what it means to protect the planet while pres...

With smartphones and social media becoming more ubiquitous globally, rural communities that were once remote are finding themselves connected to the rest of the planet. In this episode, we speak to three young YouTubers and TikTokers in Latin America who are bringing their rural lives to the world via our screens. Hear how they’re using their creativity and entrepreneurship to inspire other young...

Women are the unsung heroes of our world's food systems. They produce up to 80 per cent  of all food in developing countries despite being saddled with a disproportionate share of unpaid work, such as childcare and cooking. To mark International Women's Day, we explore how gender inequality and gender-based violence can be overcome to build inclusive, sustainable food systems. From El Salvado...

Our planet faces a paradox: nearly a third of the world's population experienced food insecurity in 2022, yet a third of the food we grow is never eaten at all. Food loss and waste doesn't just rob billions of nourishment, it unnecessarily drains resources and harms the environment. In this episode, we explore how we can – and must – pursue zero hunger and zero waste as joint goals. In particular,...

Seaweed packs a punch. It produces more than half of the world’s oxygen and removes millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. It's also incredibly nutritious and easily cultivated, with seaweed farming making up nearly a third of all marine aquaculture. From the Irish Sea to the Pacific Ocean, we explore how this underwater marvel is becoming a key part of the solution to b...

Marine biodiversity is a precious resource – but it has longer been under threat. Today's coral reefs, for example, cover half the area they did in 1950, and nearly 10% of marine life is at risk of extinction. How can we support small-scale producers who rely on the sea for an income, while protecting it? From aquaculture to the blue economy, we tackle pressing questions about farming and marine l...

In our final episode of the year, we hear from a range of climate leaders and how they plan to tackle some of the planet’s greatest challenges. IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana gives insight into the challenges faced by rural people, followed by fellow IFAD colleagues explaining how we can improve the lives of small-scale farmers. Xenya Scanlon from UNCCD, tells us about the ongoing battl...

COP28 is just around the corner – our 50th episode focuses on small-scale farmers and their resilience in the face of climate change. Discover how the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) strengthens rural communities. Jahan-Zeb Chowdhury runs us through IFAD’s initiatives for COP28, followed by climate experts Hisham Zehni and Flavia Perusini. Next up, we take a closer look at...