The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, founded in 1977 to fund agricultural development projects which increase food production in developing countries. The agency focuses on the reduction of rural poverty, by working in developing countries with the most economically disadvantaged rural Populations to try to wipe out poverty, hunger and malnutrition, boost productivity and profits, and improve the quality of life in these communities.
Kanayo F. Nwanze, IFAD’s president, works to ensure that agriculture is at the center of the international development agenda and that governments recognize the interests of small-scale farmers and rural populations living in conditions of poverty.
Slow Food and IFAD’ collaboration focuses on small-scale agriculture as a crucial source of income and nutrition for many poor rural households, and as a driver of rural economic growth. Both Slow Food and IFAD work to enhance environmental sustainability and resilience in small-scale agriculture, with a focus on women and youth.