Brussels, 23/02/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 February, 167 heads of state and/or government met in Rome for the 35th session of the governing council, an annual gathering at the highest level of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), attended by world leaders, representatives of agricultural organisations, and international development bodies.
Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti addressed the 167 IFAD member nations, stressing the need for a strong agricultural sector and for a commitment to sustainable agriculture in order to effectively meet the challenges of food insecurity and climate change in developing countries. He said they need to find innovative and bold solutions to the controversial needs of a changing demography, job creation and a sustainable environment. He also stressed that every individual has the right to a healthy and nutritious diet.
Monti's address echoed the message delivered by IFAD President Kanayo F. Nwanze, who maintains that long term investment in rural development is the most effective way to reduce poverty. “We must ensure that the effort made and the funding allocated are increased (…) to strengthen farmers' capacity of resistance to drought and natural disasters”, Nwanze affirmed. He went on to add that “it is time for small farmers to play the role that is theirs - making a contribution to economic growth.”
In December 2011, member states increased the IFAD budget to $1.5 billion, providing fresh impetus to sustainable farming. By the end of 2011, IFAD had financed no fewer than 240 programmes and projects with investment of $4.6 million in 94 countries. (SD/stag./transl.jl)