In Benin, black soldier fly larvae decompose organic waste in 12 days, producing natural fertilizer that boosts soil and crop yields.

Yemen’s Rural Livelihoods Project boosts resilience by restoring water, providing solar power, and teaching nutrition to fight poverty and hunger.

In Chad, more than 3.3 million Chadians (19% of the population) are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. The continued influx of people fleeing conflict in Sudan, persistent insecurity, and increased risks of flooding and drought place the country on the list of hotspots for malnutrition and hunger.

On World Rural Development Day, we meet Khmayes from rural Tunisia, whose life was transformed by an IFAD-supported project that gave him the freedom to transport and sell his goods with a motorized tricycle.

Small-scale farmers live on the frontlines of climate change – and because they grow so much of the world’s food, their ability to adapt is in everybody’s interest. Munashe and Tamari live in Zimbabwe’s southeastern drylands, where rain has grown scarcer in recent years and crop failure has become commonplace. But with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) they have been able to double their crop yields. With the resulting income boost, they have renovated their home and paid for their children’s education. Rural development is IFAD’s bread and butter. As the only UN agency exclusively dedicated to transforming agriculture, rural economies and food systems, it makes sure that small-scale farmers can improve their lives. To mark the first-ever World Rural Development Day, take a look at five essential parts of the Fund's work.

Mute'e, a Yemeni farmer, dreams of better living conditions for his family, while Yemen’s rural population faces ongoing conflict, climate challenges, and limited resources.

Our planet sustains all life by providing clean air, water, and food. Rural communities, including farmers, fishers, and herders, recognize that their well-being is connected to the health of the earth. Diverse ecosystems support food production and economic prosperity. To support these communities, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) collaborates with governments to finance sustainable projects, investing $4 billion in sustainable land management and $1.4 billion in climate finance since 2000. From 2018 to 2023, 70% of IFAD projects focused on conserving biodiversity, and 60% promoted agroecological practices. These initiatives empower rural people to care for the environment while benefiting from its resources.

On International Women's Day, Anta and her friends in Senegal benefit from the Agrijeunes project, developing agribusinesses with IFAD's support, empowering rural youth.

Ethiopia, home to Africa's largest bamboo resources, is using bamboo for sustainable farming, climate action, and environmental restoration, supported by IFAD.

Xie Fanghua noticed the difficulties farmers faced in getting their fruit to market in his mountain community in China and devised a solution with custom designed monorail tracks. With a loan from IFAD, he made the technology available to others.

With IFAD's support, rural farmers in North Africa and the Middle East are improving their marketing skills, boosting incomes, and gaining recognition for their high-quality products.

Bodo and Sanda are reinventing entrepreneurship in Madagascar, creating jobs and empowering youth through IFAD's Agribusiness Hubs.

Humans have been producing textiles through weaving for thousands of years.  Yarns or threads are carefully interlaced to create both simple and intricate fabrics. Many rural communities depend on weaving for everyday items such as clothing and household goods, and it also serves as a vital source of income for many people. Let's explore the art of weaving in Vietnam, Tajikistan, Fiji, and Guatemala.

IFAD is partnering with the Mobile Journalism Awards to offer a US$ 1,000 prize for the best film highlighting a compelling story about rural people and issues, with the winner also receiving the opportunity to present their film at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia in April 2025. Enter here! 

IFAD-supported projects enhance prosperity, food security, and resilience by connecting rural communities to essential finance, markets, technology, and knowledge.