Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide. And with most of it produced by our food systems, farmers have a critical role to play in reducing emissions. On this episode, we explore practical and sustainable solutions to reduce agriculture's methane footprint. From Mongolia to Kyrgyzstan, join us to find out what IFAD is doing to support scall-scale farmers in slashing their emissions. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for...

Bamboo has a rapid growth rate and can sequester carbon from the atmosphere. But despite its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture, the power of this versatile plant has yet to be harnessed around the world. On this episode, we embark on a journey to the Amazon rainforest in Colombia, where IFAD is supporting rural communities in cultivating a previously undocumented native species of bamboo. Learn about the plant’s role in agroecology, its benefits for biodiversity and the role...

We might not notice, but beneath our feet our planet is silently tackling climate change. It is estimated that soil-dwelling fungi absorb 13 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year. That’s equivalent to 36 per cent of all fossil fuel emissions! On this episode, we unveil these invisible climate warriors – and discuss how we can protect them and their role in sustainable development. Join us as we explore fantastic fungal networks, brilliant beaver dams and groundbreaking rock-based carbon...

Amid mounting global challenges, ending hunger by 2030 remains stubbornly out of reach. In East and Southern Africa, IFAD is working to get back on track by investing in the people who produce a third of the world’s food: small-scale farmers. In this episode, we dive into the innovations farmers are using to transform the region's food systems for the better. Get the lowdown on nutritional education in Lesotho and discover how smart irrigation and financial tools are building climate...

For rural economies to grow sustainably, simply having food to eat is not enough. Diets must also be nutritious to ensure good health and thriving communities On this episode, we explore how IFAD-funded projects in the Near East, Europe, Central Asia and North are diversifying and strengthening diets among the region's small-scale farmers. Travel from the flourishing school gardens of Tajikistan and Tunisia to the farms of Iraq and Moldova, where a brighter, more nutritious future is taking...

Empowering women is essential to transforming our planet’s food systems. That’s why each year, IFAD recognizes projects from around the world that go the extra mile for gender equality. In this episode, you’ll hear from the winners of this year’s IFAD Gender Awards. From changing household norms in Madagascar to amplifying women’s voices in Montenegro, learn how these five trailblazing projects are building a prosperous, more gender-equal future for farming. This is Farms. Food. Future – a...

Con el auge de los teléfonos inteligentes y las redes sociales, las comunidades rurales están ahora conectadas globalmente. En nuestra primera edición en español de Farms. Food. Future., exploramos cómo los jóvenes rurales e indígenas de América Latina utilizan estas plataformas para promover su cultura y la conservación ambiental. Viajaremos por la región, explorando la producción de café agroecológico en Perú, hasta México, donde una comunidad indígena mazahua está integrando energías...

Indigenous Peoples live in more than 90 countries and account for 6.2 per cent of the world’s population. Yet to this day, they suffer from widespread discrimination. To mark International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we shine a spotlight on Indigenous Peoples’ role essential role in building a sustainable future. Discover how communities in Peru, Colombia and Puerto Rico are protecting nature through traditional practices and leading the charge against climate change. We also...

Imagine a thin green line of hope stretching 8,000 km across northern Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. This is the Great Green Wall: an African-led land restoration project that aims to hold back encroaching desertification in the Sahel. In this episode, we take a close look at what could one day be the largest living structure on our planet. Join us as our Associate Vice-President Dr. Jo Puri discusses how IFAD supports the Great Green Wall, while other UN experts share...

Despite Africa’s immense potential to feed the world, a fifth of its population struggles with chronic hunger and malnutrition. But from its fields to its markets, small-scale farmers are envisaging a different future. In this episode, we embark on a culinary journey across West Africa and introduce IFAD’s newest Recipes for Change chef, Crystelle Pereira. We also continue our Global Donor Platform for Rural Development series with Lee Ann Jackson of the OECD discusses on how to strengthen...

Rural LGBTQ+ people face significant challenges and discrimination compared to their urban peers. But they are essential to building a more inclusive future for agriculture. To mark Pride Month, we speak with members of the community about their experiences. Hear from LGBTQ+ farmers forging inclusive spaces in vegetable farming, beekeeping and beyond. We also pick up where we left off last episode as Alina Luana de Oliveira delves deeper into the fight against discrimination in rural...

Food systems transformation must be sustainable and inclusive, so nobody is left behind. With the right support, every farmer can rise above challenges and drive development, while empowering others to do the same. From Malawi to Brazil, hear from farmers with disabilities who are rewriting the agricultural narrative. We also explore the importance of racial equity and food sovereignty in global food systems. Finally, we conclude our series on gender-based violence with Alina Luana de...

It's no secret nature is under threat: the world has seen global wildlife populations drop by two thirds over the past 50 years, and agriculture is partly to blame. But from beekeeping to reforestation, small-scale farmers around the planet are doing their part to reverse this trend. To celebrate World Biodiversity Day, we explore how rural communities are making farming green again. Tune in to hear a young Zimbabwean farmer's local insights on agroecology – and get the big picture on...

In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy swept across Malawi, devastating a country already struggling with hunger and poverty. But a year on, hope for a brighter future is returning to its farms.   On this episode, you'll hear directly from the rural Malawians who are building back stronger with IFAD's support. Our Country Director for Malawi, Bernadette Mukonyora, gives us an insight into the path to recovery along with regional climate experts Amos Mailosi and Denis Zingeni. Meanwhile, IFAD Recipes...

Despite being a major contributor to global emissions, farming might just hold the key to solving the climate crisis. When agriculture is regenerative, it becomes a win-win for people and planet, increasing food security while protecting the environment. We unpack this method of sustainable farming and explore how small-scale farmers can harness it to lead the way to a food-secure future. Hear from global regenerative agriculture leaders – and learn how IFAD is leveraging their techniques to...

Over 80 per cent of our planet's biodiversity is found on the territories of Indigenous Peoples, who have been farming for generations while caring for forests, deserts, grasslands and oceans. By growing food sustainably, they are leading the way on transforming food systems. On this episode, Indigenous leaders from Nepal, Mexico and Kenya weigh in on what it means to protect the planet while preserving their cultures, and fighting for the right to land, nutrition and education. Our Global...

With smartphones and social media becoming more ubiquitous globally, rural communities that were once remote are finding themselves connected to the rest of the planet. In this episode, we speak to three young YouTubers and TikTokers in Latin America who are bringing their rural lives to the world via our screens. Hear how they’re using their creativity and entrepreneurship to inspire other young people to be proud of their rural roots – and to encourage them to build a future at home. This...

Women are the unsung heroes of our world's food systems. They produce up to 80 per cent of all food in developing countries despite being saddled with a disproportionate share of unpaid work, such as childcare and cooking. To mark International Women's Day, we explore how gender inequality and gender-based violence can be overcome to build inclusive, sustainable food systems. From El Salvador to Malawi, hear about how rural women are driving climate adaptation and transforming agriculture –...

Our planet faces a paradox: nearly a third of the world's population experienced food insecurity in 2022, yet a third of the food we grow is never eaten at all. Food loss and waste doesn't just rob billions of nourishment, it unnecessarily drains resources and harms the environment. In this episode, we explore how we can – and must – pursue zero hunger and zero waste as joint goals. In particular, we look at how these efforts are crucial for children, who depend on nutritious diets for...

Seaweed packs a punch. It produces more than half of the world’s oxygen and removes millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year. It's also incredibly nutritious and easily cultivated, with seaweed farming making up nearly a third of all marine aquaculture. From the Irish Sea to the Pacific Ocean, we explore how this underwater marvel is becoming a key part of the solution to both hunger and climate change. Tune in to hear about the surprising history of edible seaweed...

Marine biodiversity is a precious resource – but it has longer been under threat. Today's coral reefs, for example, cover half the area they did in 1950, and nearly 10% of marine life is at risk of extinction. How can we support small-scale producers who rely on the sea for an income, while protecting it? From aquaculture to the blue economy, we tackle pressing questions about farming and marine life, especially in the context of climate change. We ask experts how coastal communities around...

In our final episode of the year, we hear from a range of climate leaders and how they plan to tackle some of the planet’s greatest challenges. IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana gives insight into the challenges faced by rural people, followed by fellow IFAD colleagues explaining how we can improve the lives of small-scale farmers. Xenya Scanlon from UNCCD, tells us about the ongoing battle to combat desertification and what’s in store for 2024. The Secretary General of CITES, Ivonne...

In our final episode of the year, we hear from a range of climate leaders and how they plan to tackle some of the planet’s greatest challenges. IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana gives insight into the challenges faced by rural people, followed by fellow IFAD colleagues explaining how we can improve the lives of small-scale farmers. Xenya Scanlon from UNCCD, tells us about the ongoing battle to combat desertification and what’s in store for 2024. The Secretary General of CITES, Ivonne...

COP28 is just around the corner – our 50th episode focuses on small-scale farmers and their resilience in the face of climate change. Discover how the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) strengthens rural communities. Jahan-Zeb Chowdhury runs us through IFAD’s initiatives for COP28, followed by climate experts Hisham Zehni and Flavia Perusini. Next up, we take a closer look at the results of ASAP-funded projects: Roshan Cooke tells us all about the latest developments in...