Farms. Food. Future.

From a surprise shower to an unexpectedly cold evening, we all know the weather forecast doesn’t always pan out – and for small-scale farmers who depend on it for their crops, it’s more than just an inconvenience. But what if we could be sure of weather before it strikes? What if we could even influence it? In this episode, we dive into the science and innovation shaping our interaction with the weather. From predicting storms to cloud seeding, hear from the experts working to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of the changing climate. Featuring Clare Nasir, Steven Siems and Dan Martin.

Where can we learn about the future of farming? We are going right to the source – the rural people who are transforming agriculture. Our new, in-depth “Life stories” mini-series brings their stories to the fore. In this first episode, we travel from the forests of Suriname to the highlands of Ethiopia to meet two inspiring innovators driving change in their communities. Plus, we share voice messages collected from Indigenous leaders at this year’s Indigenous Peoples Forum.

When we think about space technology, we usually picture astronauts and rockets, but there’s a whole new frontier emerging in space for sustainable farming. And what’s fascinating is that this technology isn’t just for outer space – it’s also being applied right here on Earth. Which is why this episode will focus on innovators who are turning what once seemed like science fiction into the farming fact of tomorrow. From growing food without soil to using advanced tech to feed the world, these pioneers are shaping the future right before our eyes. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: From fantasy to reality - Episode 78

When we talk about the state of our planet, it’s often in terms of decline or loss. It’s impossible to deny that biodiversity is declining, species are disappearing and deforestation is rampant. But to hold out hope, sometimes we need a more positive narrative. That’s why this episode focuses on the love that drives successful action to protect and restore the planet, in all its diversity: love for the crops that feed us, love for the rich variety of life with which we share our world, and love for the ecosystems that sustain us all. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: Biodiversity beyond borders - Episode 77

All over the world, young people use their voice to advocate for a better future – and with almost 800 million of them in rural or semi-urban areas, sustainable rural development is a top priority. In this episode, we're celebrating youth leadership in tackling challenges like climate change, food insecurity and gender inequality. Join us as we hear from six inspiring young changemakers fighting for our planet’s rural people. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/w/podcast/Global-youth-in-action

In our first Farms. Food. Future. episode of the new year, we’re looking back at the rural development success stories of 2024 – and setting our sights on what’s to come in 2025. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: Shaping the future of food in 2025

Recipes for Change launched in 2014 with a crucial mission – to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on culinary traditions and the farmers behind them. Since then, the programme has showcased dozens of recipes from around the world in partnership with world-class chefs. Each recipe serves as a window into the rural communities and cultures that work alongside IFAD. In this episode, we reflect on a decade of Recipes for Change with some of the chefs behind the programme's success. Join us as we catch up on the latest in sustainable cooking and look ahead to the new year together. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: From farm to table: Celebrating a decade of Recipes for Change- Episode 74

When rural people in different developing countries exchange knowledge, technology and resources to solve common problems, they can multiply their impact. That’s the power of South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC). In this episode, we explore how IFAD catalyses SSTC to drive sustainable, inclusive rural development. Join us on a deep dive into the history of SSTC and discover its lasting impact for our planet’s small-scale farmers. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: The power of South-South and triangular cooperation – Episode 73

With a wide-ranging network of donors, international financial institutions and development agencies, the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD) has become a critical part of the rural development landscape. From the Italian G7 to the world of sustainable blended finance, we take a look behind the scenes of the essential and innovative financial work it does for rural communities around the world. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-72

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 the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: Tackling methane emissions to fast-track climate goals – Episode 71

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 it can play in transforming food systems. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-70

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 removal. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: The Earth’s invisible climate warriors – Episode 69 (ifad.org)

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 resilience in Zimbabwe, Kenya and Malawi. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: Transforming Africa’s Food Systems – Episode 68 (ifad.org)

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 root. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-67

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 podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-66 FORMAPRODTTSDPro-Camélidos GASIP

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 renovables a sus prácticas agrícolas, pasaremos por Bolivia para conocer sobre el cuidado tradicional de llamas. También conoceremos a jóvenes emprendedores en Colombia, terminando nuestro recorrido en la ruta turística del “Cacao de la Sierra”, donde se celebra la riqueza del cacao local y su potencial como motor de desarrollo. Fondo de Apoyo a los Pueblos IndígenasASOJEVideos Rurales

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 continue our Global Donor Platform for Rural Development series with Ji-Yeun Rim of the OECD, who discusses the crucial issue of rural youth employment. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-65 Stop irreversible damage to the AmazonGlobal Donor Platform for Rural DevelopmentInternational Day of the World's Indigenous PeoplesIndigenous People

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 insights on the initiative’s past, present, and ambitious future. You’ll also get a sneak peek at next episode’s spotlight on Global Citizen Prize winner Sophie Healy-Thow. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-64 Act4FoodGreat Green Wall — The Great Green Wall InitiativeUNCCDSahara Sahel Foods

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 global food systems. This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-63

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 Brazil This is Farms. Food. Future – a podcast that's good for you, good for the planet and good for farmers. Brought to you by the International Fund for Agricultural Development. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-62 Rock Steady FarmThey Keep BeesLa Via CampesinaQueer farmer networkhumble hands harvest – a worker-owned co-operative growing food to celebrate this place