The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

Headquarters:	Rome, Italy
Website:	https://www.ifad.org/
Description:	The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations which focuses on supporting food production projects in developing countries.
Summary:	IFAD was established as an international financial institution in 1977 as one of the major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference. It resolved that "an International Fund for Agricultural Development should be established immediately to finance agricultural development projects primarily for food production in the developing countries." IFAD's mission is to enable poor, rural people to overcome poverty. It works in developing countries, together with smallholder farmers, pastoralists, artisanal fishers and other rural people. IFAD has developed a strategic framework for 2016-2025 and is increasingly engaged in policy dialogue, working to influence policy in the interests of small-scale producers and the rural poor. The Fund also seeks to influence policy in an effort to minimize the negative effects of global trends and maximize incentives and opportunities for the rural poor.
Organization Type:	International Financial Institution
Issue areas covered:	Small-scale agriculture in vulnerable, rural areas.
Key opportunities and dates for input:	None specified
Requirements for participation:	IFAD works with civil society, including NGO partnerships.
Advocacy Opportunities:
IFAD concentrates on small-scale agriculture. They mention best husbandry practices, so may be interested in developing best practice resources. IFAD now seems to be supporting larger-scale projects, such as an extensive dairy development project in Rwanda (which includes zero grazing). There is scope to investigate and advocate.