Latest news with #InternationalFundforAgriculturalDevelopment
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Nagaland's agri project FOCUS completed, to benefit 1.18L households
Dimapur: Nagaland's agriculture project to strengthen cultivation systems and improving farmers' incomes called — Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System in the Northeast (FOCUS) — has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in the state's agricultural development. Speaking at the project completion workshop in Kohima on Tuesday, agriculture production commissioner and mission director of FOCUS, Wezope Kenye, said the success of the project was a result of collaborative efforts, shared vision, and the determination of all stakeholders. Kenye said FOCUS is the first externally aided project in Nagaland's agriculture sector, implemented in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). "This initiative represents a pioneering step in strengthening farming systems and improving agricultural incomes across the state, laying a strong foundation for further sectoral development and institutional growth," Kenye said. With over 70% of Nagaland's population dependent on agriculture, the project has played a transformative role in enhancing income opportunities, building climate resilience, and empowering farming communities to adapt and thrive. The project, which commenced on Jan 25, 2018, was originally scheduled to conclude by March 31, 2024. However, due to Covid-19-related challenges, an extension was required. "Despite setbacks, FOCUS successfully reached 645 villages across nine districts, directly benefiting approximately 1,18,000 households, covering nearly 89% of the target group," he said. The initiative led to the development of vital agricultural infrastructure, improved market access, and strengthened rural livelihoods, significantly boosting local economies. Kenye said the project invested in market access facilities, community seed banks, and logistical assets such as refrigerated vans, ensuring long-term support for farming communities. Country programme analyst, IFAD CO, Piyush Kanal, highlighted the activities and achievements of the project, reinforcing its impact on sustainable agriculture in Nagaland.
LeMonde
17-05-2025
- General
- LeMonde
The number of people facing the risk of famine worldwide has doubled in a year
For the sixth consecutive year, the number of people facing the highest levels of acute food insecurity has been rising, while budgets for food aid and development are plummeting. The Global Report on Food Crises, which compiles data from several international agencies (the World Food Program, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), among others), which was published on Friday, May 16, presents a worrying panorama. In 2024, nearly 300 million people in 53 countries analyzed were facing a food crisis − an increase of 13.7 million compared to 2023. Taking into account the sheer numbers, as well as the prevalence, these figures are unprecedented, even in spite of a slightly more restricted number of countries analyzed compared to last year. "Hunger and malnutrition are spreading faster than our ability to respond," United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres wrote in the preamble of the report. While other periodic assessments document chronic food insecurity across the planet, this particular report on food crises focuses on analyzing the most extreme hunger hotspots – often following a "shock" (an armed conflict, an economic crisis or a climatic event) – that require an emergency response. It relies on a food insecurity classification scale that distinguishes five levels before famine.
Morocco World
15-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
IFAD Issues $150 Million Bond to Bank Al-Maghrib to Fund Food Security Projects
Rabat – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco's central bank, have renewed their partnership to help improve food security and support rural communities around the world. As part of this collaboration, IFAD issued a $150 million sustainable bond with a 10-year term, purchased by Bank Al-Maghrib. This is the second time the bank has invested in IFAD's bond program. The first partnership was in July 2024, when the bank invested €100 million to support IFAD's development efforts for 2025. 'Having the Bank Al Maghrib as a repeat investor makes us particularly proud,' said Natalia Toschi, Head of Funding at IFAD, in a press statement. 'It shows the value of long-term relationships for IFAD's global mission that is more than ever important to build a better and more stable world,' she added. The money raised will go towards IFAD's work to support rural communities by helping small-scale farmers improve their incomes, food security, and resilience. These investments will also support projects that promote sustainable development and fight poverty and hunger. Donal Brown, Associate Vice-President of IFAD's Country Operations Department, recalled the strong ties between Morocco and the organization: 'This renewed collaboration builds on IFAD's longstanding relationship with Morocco, a cornerstone of its portfolio for over four decades.' Brown added that Morocco stands out for the scale of its engagement and 'visionary leadership' in rural development, climate resilience, and agricultural transformation. Since 1979, IFAD and Morocco have invested more than $1.7 billion in 16 projects across the country, reaching over 700,000 rural households. The current projects, worth $250 million, are aligned with Morocco's 'Génération Green 2020–2030' strategy and focus on supporting women and young people in mountain regions, said IFAD in a statement. These initiatives are needed more than ever, as IFAD notes that 3 billion people live in rural areas in developing countries worldwide. Many of them are small-scale farmers who produce one-third of the world's food, yet still face poverty and hunger. Around 730 million people today suffer from hunger, nearly 1 in every 11 people. IFAD believes that investing in rural areas is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Tags: BAMeconomyfood security
Bloomberg
05-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
As World's Priorities Shift, African Leaders Focus on Food Sovereignty
Russia's war with Ukraine and the worldwide shift toward national priorities has pushed African leaders to focus on food self-sufficiency, the head of a United Nations ' body said. From increased wheat production in Ethiopia and rice output in West Africa continental leaders are more alive to the threat posed by global trade disruptions than they were previously, said Alvaro Lario, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
African Manager
04-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia ranks 6th among Arab countries in Diaspora remittances
According to the World Bank (WB), the global growth rate for migrant remittances in 2024 is estimated at 5.8%, significantly higher than the 1.2% growth recorded in 2023. Globally, around 200 million workers have left their home countries in search of better opportunities, as reported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). On average, these migrant workers send between $200 and $300 per month or every two months to their countries of origin, representing only 15% of their income. Remittances sent through formal channels to low- and middle-income countries are projected to reach $685 billion in 2024. However, the actual amount, including informal transfers, could be much higher. According to World Bank data, Egypt is the top Arab country in terms of remittance inflows in 2024, receiving $22.7 billion. It is followed by Morocco ($12 billion), Lebanon ($5.8 billion), Jordan ($4.8 billion), and Yemen ($3.8 billion), rounding out the top five. Tunisia ranks 6th with $2.8 billion in remittances for 2024, according to the World Bank. It is followed by Algeria ($1.94 billion), Qatar ($1.5 billion), Sudan ($1 billion), and Iraq ($879 million). Globally, India dominates the rankings with $129.1 billion in remittances. It is followed by Mexico ($68.2 billion), China ($48 billion), the Philippines ($40.2 billion), and Pakistan ($33.2 billion). Next are Bangladesh ($26.6 billion) and Egypt, which leads the Arab region and ranks within the global top 10 with $22.7 billion. The list is completed by Guatemala ($21.6 billion), Nigeria ($19.8 billion), and Uzbekistan ($16.6 billion). For context, the United States was the largest sender of remittances in 2023 (2024 report not yet published) with $93 billion. It is followed by the United Arab Emirates ($38.5 billion), Saudi Arabia ($38.4 billion), Switzerland ($37 billion), and Germany ($21 billion). Among Arab countries, the top five remittance senders in 2023 were: the United Arab Emirates ($38.5 billion), Saudi Arabia ($38.4 billion), Kuwait ($12.7 billion), Qatar ($11.8 billion), and Oman ($9.4 billion).
