Farms. Food. Future.

Radio is the only means of communication for two thirds of people living in rural Africa, making it an essential and powerful platform that can help drive food security. Now, emerging technology is making it easier than ever for vital information to reach those who need it most. In this episode, we explore how information can efficiently reach rural farmers, from trusted radio broadcasts to new AI...

Over one billion people on this planet have a disability, many of them in rural areas. Persons with disabilities play an essential role in food systems, yet many barriers remain to their full participation in rural societies. In this episode, we explore how inclusive rural development changes lives – and what it means to build meaningful routes into agriculture. From training and awareness-raising...

Adaptation can seem daunting for rural businesses, but it’s a win-win. By adopting sustainable farming techniques like agroforestry, small-scale farmers can drive economic growth while protecting their land. In the third episode in our “Life stories” mini-series, we head to the Peruvian Amazon to see adaptation in action. Join us as IFAD Recipes for Change chef Waldir Maqque meets with Ruth, whose...

For small-scale farmers, resilience isn't just about preventing loses – it's about creating lasting value. That’s why climate adaptation is the key to prosperity, stability and shared growth. As the world looks toward COP30 , we unpack why adaptation is one of the smartest investments we can make – and how bold climate action drives thriving rural communities and economies. Plus, we meet with a s...

Around the world, small-scale farmers are pushing our food systems to evolve. They’re the key to producing enough safe, nutritious food to feed the world sustainably. In this episode, we explore how IFAD works hand in hand with rural communities to build a more nourishing future. Learn how innovative agroecology projects are driving economic growth and hear directly from IFAD’s President, Alvaro L...

Rural women are the innovators, leaders and changemakers at the core of our planet’s food systems. That’s why supporting them is essential to building a sustainable future. In honour of the International Day of Rural Women, we’re celebrating their vital contributions. Join us as we explore how empowering women through training, access to resources and leadership opportunities leads to stronger rur...

One quarter of the global labour force works in agriculture, and they know it’s a stressful business. As agriculture becomes increasingly unpredictable, it’s essential to support the mental well-being of our farmers. In this episode, we examine the psychological pressures facing farmers, from climate-related stress to market instability. We also highlight community-based solutions from StrongMinds...

This week, world leaders will gather in New York for 80th session of the UN General Assembly – where rural communities hit hard by climate change, conflict and hunger have a chance to be heard on the global stage. In this episode, we hear from advocates who are taking action to amplify these rural voices. Join us as we discuss how rural development is financed, the power of building political move...

In 2022, 1 billion meals a day were wasted, while 783 million people were affected by hunger. There’s plenty of food to go around – it’s just not getting to those who need it. In this episode, we explore three powerful and distinct approaches to transforming our global food systems. Tune in to hear about blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation, using science to breed more resource-ef...

Around the world, young rural people aren't just waiting for change – they're making it happen themselves. In this special International Youth Day episode, we spotlight the next generation of agricultural leaders. Join us as we explore how young people are transforming food systems – and how organizations like IFAD support their vision. Find out more: Are we ready to listen to young rural people?...

Can food be a bridge between cultures, sustainability, and climate action? In this episode, we sit down with Chef Ana Villota of María Cocina y Panadería - IFAD’s newest Recipes For Change chef - whose journey from Ecuador to Canada has shaped her zero-waste, slow-food approach to baking.  We also share insights from the Food Systems Summer Forum, featuring IFAD’s Goodwill Ambassador, Sabrina Elba...

Sometimes, building the future of farming means drawing on centuries-old traditions. Indigenous small-scale farmers can help rural communities around the world forge a new, sustainable path forward. In the second episode of our “Life stories” mini-series, we meet Pallab Chakma from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts and Dayana Domicó from Colombia’s Emberá community. They share powerful stories a...

What’s next for development finance? It’s increasingly clear the answer must go beyond traditional models. Just look at remittances: the money sent home by migrants now surpasses official aid to low- and middle-income countries. Our challenge is ensuring these flows drive lasting change. As global leaders prepare to meet at the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevill...

Rural communities around the world farm a diverse range of land under one sky. But no matter their varying challenges, they are united by the resilience and ingenuity of their solutions. This episode tells their stories. We talk to British chef and TV presenter Si King – one half of eloved culinary duo The Hairy Bikers – as he meets Mongolian herders balancing tradition with sustainability. Then,...

Fashion doesn't just start on the runway. It can have origins deep in a forest or even in the leftovers of yesterday’s meal. On this episode, we’re looking at how communities and creators are turning farm waste into cutting-edge fashion. In the Peruvian Amazon, Indigenous members of the Awajún community are creating Shiringa BioLeather, an eco-friendly alternative to animal leather. And in Italy,...

Migration stories usually go in one direction: away from rural life, towards cities. But around the world, rural people are proving that progress sometimes comes from circling back with purpose. On this episode, we explore the quiet transformation that comes with what is known as reverse migration: where farmers, rural entrepreneurs and young professionals return home with new skills and vision. F...

Sometimes, to transform an entire food system we have to start small. Across Asia and the Pacific, slight changes in food and farming habits are bringing vital nutritional improvements to entire communities. On this episode, we head to Cambodia to learn more. Experts from across the region recently gathered here at an IFAD workshop on nutrition-sensitive agriculture, discussing common challenges a...

Believe it or not, deserts might just be the next frontier in sustainable farming. Agriculture is under threat from extreme heat, vanishing water and salty soil – but innovators are turning these challenges into opportunities. This episode uncovers the breakthroughs keeping fertile land from turning to dust. From salt-defying crops to desert farms that thrive against the odds, meet the farmers and...

From a surprise shower to an unexpectedly cold evening, we all know the weather forecast doesn’t always pan out – and for small-scale farmers who depend on it for their crops, it’s more than just an inconvenience. But what if we could be sure of weather before it strikes? What if we could even influence it? In this episode, we dive into the science and innovation shaping our interaction with the w...

Where can we learn about the future of farming? We are going right to the source – the rural people who are transforming agriculture. Our new, in-depth “Life stories” mini-series brings their stories to the fore.  In this first episode, we travel from the forests of Suriname to the highlands of Ethiopia to meet two inspiring innovators driving change in their communities. Plus, we share voice mess...

When we think about space technology, we usually picture astronauts and rockets, but there’s a whole new frontier emerging in space for sustainable farming. And what’s fascinating is that this technology isn’t just for outer space – it’s also being applied right here on Earth. Which is why this episode will focus on innovators who are turning what once seemed like science fiction into the farming...

When we talk about the state of our planet, it’s often in terms of decline or loss. It’s impossible to deny that biodiversity is declining, species are disappearing and deforestation is rampant. But to hold out hope, sometimes we need a more positive narrative. That’s why this episode focuses on the love that drives successful action to protect and restore the planet, in all its diversity: love fo...

All over the world, young people use their voice to advocate for a better future – and with almost 800 million of them in rural or semi-urban areas, sustainable rural development is a top priority. In this episode, we're celebrating youth leadership in tackling challenges like climate change, food insecurity and gender inequality. Join us as we hear from six inspiring young changemakers fighting f...

In our first Farms. Food. Future. episode of the new year, we’re looking back at the rural development success stories of 2024 – and setting our sights on what’s to come in 2025.This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: Shaping the future of food...

Recipes for Change launched in 2014 with a crucial mission – to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on culinary traditions and the farmers behind them. Since then, the programme has showcased dozens of recipes from around the world in partnership with world-class chefs. Each recipe serves as a window into the rural communities and cultures that work alongside IFAD.In this episode,...