Quick Takes

IFAD, GEF Support Rural Farmers

By balancing higher yields and incomes with healthy ecosystems, a new report has revealed how the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a UN specialised agency dedicated to smallholder agriculture development, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), are benefiting millions of rural people in developing countries. The report titled: “The IFAD-GEF Advantage II: partnering for a sustainable world,” was released at the Sixth GEF Assembly recently. According to the report’s findings, IFAD currently facilitates access for governments to GEF funding in 24 countries, amounting to 32 GEF-funded projects with climate change as the dominant focal area, and utilising a budget of approximately US$161 million. “This report shows that there is a clear IFAD-GEF Advantage. When we work together with rural communities, natural resources and ecosystems are protected, and people’s lives improve,” the Director of IFAD’s Environment, Climate, Gender and Social Inclusion Division, Margarita Astralaga said. An example of the synergies referenced in the report was found in Viet Nam, where an IFAD-GEF-Government partnership encouraged local communities to collaborate in devising payments for ecosystems services that offer them clear benefits and also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Another example in Peru illustrates how IFAD was using GEF funds to work with local communities in the High Andes on better water management, biodiversity conservation and more sustainable agricultural practices on over 20,000 hectares.