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Farms. Food. Future.

News & Politics Podcasts

Farms. Food. Future. looks at the big issues facing farmers in the developing world and what needs to be done to wipe out global hunger while dealing with the climate crisis. It’s brought to you by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and presented by Brian Thomson. Through the podcast, IFAD raises awareness of the challenges smallholder farmers in developing countries are facing around food security. Farms. Food. Future. includes interviews with IFAD experts, partners and donors, celebrities, and farmers. Farms. Food. Future. promotes the power of smallholder farmers as a force for change. It captures the exciting work IFAD is doing working on the front line of farming for development, dealing everyday with climate change, environmental sustainability, gender, youth, nutrition and indigenous peoples’ issues.

Location:

Italy

Description:

Farms. Food. Future. looks at the big issues facing farmers in the developing world and what needs to be done to wipe out global hunger while dealing with the climate crisis. It’s brought to you by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and presented by Brian Thomson. Through the podcast, IFAD raises awareness of the challenges smallholder farmers in developing countries are facing around food security. Farms. Food. Future. includes interviews with IFAD experts, partners and donors, celebrities, and farmers. Farms. Food. Future. promotes the power of smallholder farmers as a force for change. It captures the exciting work IFAD is doing working on the front line of farming for development, dealing everyday with climate change, environmental sustainability, gender, youth, nutrition and indigenous peoples’ issues.

Twitter:

@IFAD

Language:

English


Episodes

Women shaping sustainable food systems

3/11/2024
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 – and the world – for the better. 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/-/women-shaping-sustainable-food-systems-episode-55 Global Donor Platform for Rural DevelopmentWe work to create sustainable food agriculture systems | IATPNational Programme of Rural Economic Transformation for Living Well – Rural AdelanteWorld Resources Institute | Making Big Ideas HappenProgramme for Rural Irrigation Development PRIDE

Duration:00:30:46

Zero Waste, Full Plates: Winning with School Meals

2/27/2024
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 healthy development. Hear from IFAD's teams in Brazil and Guatemala about local school feeding programmes – and learn what we are doing to prevent food waste right here in Rome. Featuring Isabel de la Peña, Hardi Vieira, Ana Avilés Ramirez, and Leticia Tanchella Niehues. 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-54 World Food Forum | Youth Towards Zero Food Waste CampaignWorld Food Forum | Youth Towards Zero Food Waste CampaignEveryone wins with school meals

Duration:00:24:00

Swaying the Power of Seaweed

2/12/2024
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 with Recipes for Change chef JP McMahon and learn about the regenerative potential of kelp farming with fisherman-turned-CEO Bren Smith. Featuring Sea Briganti, Rebecca Gouldhurst, JP McMahon, and Bren Smith. 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-53 Eat Like a Fish by Bren SmithGreenWaveThe Seaweed ForagerFood On The EdgeCava BodegaAniar - Contemporary Irish Michelin-starred Restaurant in Galway cityAdvancing the planet towards a plastic-free future

Duration:00:34:51

Navigating Marine Biodiversity for a Better Tomorrow

1/29/2024
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 the world can safeguard our oceans’ staggering biodiversity while producing food. Featuring Martina O’Brien, Richard Abila, Mahoussi Assocle, Satu Santala, Paolo Silveri, and Audrey Tchoundi. 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-52 World Wildlife organization ocean initiativesNational Biodiversity Data Centre A Heritage Council Programme, Documenting Ireland's WildlifeInclusive Blue Economy ProjectFisheries and aquacultureIFAD WebsiteInclusive Blue Economy Project

Duration:00:31:20

A Bright New Year for Agriculture

12/27/2023
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 Higuero, talks to us about human-wildlife coexistence and sustainable species harvesting. Then UNEP’s James Lomax, outlines the 2024 goals for ecosystem preservation. David Ainsworth from CBD explains the balance between conserving biodiversity and global food needs. We introduce you to our newest Recipes for Change chef, Sophie Grigson. Max Cotton updates us on what life is like on a small-scale farm. Finally, Ludovic Larbodière from IUCN discusses water-intensive farming challenges and our Recipes for Change chefs conclude our episode with their holiday wishes for 2024. 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-51

Duration:01:18:44

Investing in a Climate-Resilient Future

11/28/2023
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 Nepal and Philippe Remy highlights how incorporating innovative solutions such as the use of biodigesters can promote climate-resilience. We speak to Claus Reiner about the first-ever IFAD-funded project in the heart of Brazil's Maranhão forest, in the Amazon. To conclude, journey back in time with us to revive some of the most inspiring moments and favourite interviews from the podcast. 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/podcasts/episode50

Duration:01:07:15

Harvesting Equality in Rural Households

10/30/2023
Rural women are at the heart of the agricultural world. Yet many inequalities persist. Tshering Choden explains how IFAD is actively combatting these existing inequalities. On this note, Philippe Remy follows with captivating success stories from Malawi. In Latin America, rural women’s leaders speak about closing the gender gap in decision-making. This month we’re also launching a new mini-series on the ACUA Programme with Ilse Loango from Colombia. Then we talk to Hadija Jabiri, founder of EatFresh, about empowering female farmers to address gender inequality, and to Judy Ling Wong, Honorary President of the Black Environmental Network, about the role of diversity in rural spaces. To wrap up this episode, Claire Somerville, Executive Director of the Gender Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute, tells us about the disparities between gender and global health in rural communities. 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. https://www.ifad.org/en/podcasts/episode49

Duration:01:05:21

Counting the Cost of Malnutrition

9/25/2023
In this episode, we’re tackling malnutrition. In the spotlight we have an intriguing report on obesity in developing countries. Then we speak to IFAD's Lead Technical Specialist on Nutrition, Joyce Njoro, about the factors driving food inflation and its impact on access to healthy diets. Also in episode 48, Nadine Gbossa shares with us the key findings from this year's UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment. Prepare your taste buds for a treat as we introduce our latest Recipes for Change Chef – Walter El Nagar, a renowned chef and advocate for sustainable cuisine. And to end this episode we take you on a journey to Kenya to speak with IFAD's Moses Abukari about the substantial benefits of cultivating one of our top value chain crops in developing countries – sorghum. 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/podcasts/episode48

Duration:00:50:26

Future Proofing Farming for Youth

8/28/2023
The future of farming lies with young farmers and rural youth. But how do we go about engaging young people in agriculture to enhance productivity and empower individuals. That's the question we want answers to in this podcast. First we talk to IFAD’s lead youth expert, Rahul Antao. We also hear from Mollie Brennan about the Decent Work for Equitable Livelihoods Coalition. And then we speak to Emma Federica about the effects the “Grassroots Approach” has on projects. Following that, we'll have Genna Tesdall, director of Young Professionals for Agricultural Development, guiding us through the opportunities that food systems present for young farmers. Also Jaron Porciello, Co-Director of Hesat2030, discusses the future of AI in food systems. The latest Recipes for Change Chef - Chef Colonna - tells us about combining farm fresh food with gourmet tastes as joins us from his home in Labico, Rome. And to end this episode we hear from The Agricultural Research for Development Unit. A team dedicated to bringing agricultural research from the lab to the field. 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/podcasts/episode47https://www.ifad.org/recipes-for-changehttps://www.ifad.org/en/youthhttps://decentworkinfoodsystems.org/https://www.donorplatform.orghttp://antonellocolonna.it/resort-spa/https://www.ifad.org/en/agricultural-research-for-development

Duration:00:56:17

Rocking Remittances for Rural Development

7/31/2023
This month we take a deep dive on the issue of remittances and how money sent home can be a force for good in rural development. We talk to IFAD’s Financing Facility for Remittances Pedro de Vasconcelos. Also Bibiana Vasquez speaks to regional work on remittances in Africa. And we hear from David Berno an expert on digital remittances. Plus Guillaume Top talks about the power of remittances in Mali. Then we take the temperature of the agroecology movement with Prof Miguel Altieri. He’s an advocate of sustainable agriculture. Then there’s another scintillating episode in our ongoing miniseries from the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development. Here we talk data with IFAD’s Jo Puri. And also coming up we meet with the latest Recipes for Change Chef - Chef Saeng, from his home in Los Angeles. 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/podcasts/episode46https://www.ifad.orghttps://www.ifad.org/recipes-for-changehttps://www.ifad.org/ffrhttps://www.donorplatform.orgwww.saengskitchen.comwww.instagram.com/saengdouangdarawww.facebook.com/saengdouangdarawww.youtube.com/saengskitchenThe Laotian Cook: Traditional recipes from Northern Laos

Duration:01:08:56

Saving SIDS' Food Security from Climate Impacts

6/19/2023
In this podcast we are looking at Small Island Developing States (SIDS), food security and climate change. We talk to IFAD climate specialist Oliver Page, and we also hear from IFAD projects working with SIDS in the Philippines, Haiti and Tonga. July sees the UN’s Food Systems Summit Stocktake taking place in Rome. We’ll be talking to Stefanos Fotiou, Director of the UN Food Systems Summit Coordination Hub. Then Max Cotton is back with the third part of our series where we see how he’s coping with the self-sufficient life style on his small holding in the UK. And finally we rejoin our ongoing series with the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development - this time we speak with Nikita Eriksen-Hamel, Deputy Director of Agriculture and Food Systems for Global Affairs Canada. 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/podcasts/episode45https://www.ifad.orghttps://www.morditonga.tohttps://www.un.orghttps://www.donorplatform.org

Duration:01:09:07

Working with Water Scarcity

5/29/2023
We’re turning the spotlight on the Near East and North Africa to look at one of the major issues facing the region – water scarcity. With the UN’s climate summit later this year – COP28 – taking place in the United Arab Emirates – water scarcity and food security are top of the agenda. In the podcast we’ll be talking to IFAD’s regional lead Dina Saleh. After that we’ll be visiting projects dealing directly with the issues around water scarcity and food security in Egypt and also in Jordan. Also we’ll find out why some of the biggest names in Italian football are getting behind IFAD’s work. Also how to produce affordable, high-quality protein feed and organic fertilizers with insects. Then Dr. Colin Zhu, medical professional, chef and nutritionist talks about the link of organic farming to better health. Plus we hear about non-GMO hybrid potato crops from Dutch company Solynta. 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/podcasts/episode44https://www.ifad.org/en/web/operations/regions/nenhttps://www.thechefdoc.apphttps://www.solynta.comhttps://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/changing-the-world-one-goal-at-a-time?p_l_back_url=%2Fen%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dfootball

Duration:00:53:50

Bigging-Up Biodiversity

4/24/2023
We’re getting in the biodiversity groove ahead of International Biodiversity Day on May 22nd. We speak exclusively to the acting Executive Secretary of the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity, David Cooper. Then we’ll be hearing from IFAD’s lead on biodiversity Marie Aude Even. After that, in honour of the UK coronation we’re taking a little bit of a regal detour. We’ll be talking to David Cope, Head of Sustainability at the Duchy of Cornwall. We have a special report for World Bee Day and the next part of our Global Donor Platform miniseries. Then we talk to the people behind Treedom, the app that allows you to plant a tree from a distance and follow the project on line. And Ento Insect Solutions in Kenya will be talking about insects for animal feed. 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/podcasts/episode43http://www.cbd.inthttp://www.ifad.org/climateandenvironmenthttp://www.duchyofcornwall.orghttp://www.donorplatform.orghttp://www.treedom.net

Duration:01:13:57

Innovating for a sustainable farming future

3/27/2023
This month’s edition of Farms.Food.Future. is all about innovation. Donal Brown talks about how IFAD is innovating in projects around the world. This month, we're also featuring some amazing game-changers in the industry. First we have Mai Ann Healy from BioFiltro, who's revolutionizing wastewater treatment with their innovative worm castings technology. And we talk to Shalom, CEO of Avenews, who's transforming the agriculture financing industry with their financial super app. Two of IFAD’s Recipes for Change chefs join us. Pierre Thiam from Senegal tells us all about the West African superfood fonio. And Chef Juan Quintero, the Colombian culinary master, is showing us how to cut down on food waste in the kitchen and source ingredients from environmentally friendly producers. Plus updates on our climate change series from Bangladesh and we’ll be talking Green Ants. 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/podcasts/episode42http://www.ifad.org/recipesforchangehttps://www.avenews-gt.com/https://biofiltro.com/https://www.pierrethiam.com/https://www.greenant.farmhttps://www.relaischateaux.com/us/chef/juan-camilo-quintero

Duration:01:13:44

Bridging the Digital Gender Gap

2/27/2023
In this podcast we look at International Women’s Day 2023, which explores the impact of the digital gender gap, speaking to IFAD's Ndaya Beltchika. We also talk to ecommerce professional, Shelley Burich, from Samoa, and Elsie Du Bray from the Lakota Nation in North America about food sovereignty. We hear about the latest on the ever changing donor landscape with IFAD's Ron Hartman. Then, as he hits the winter season, we check in for the next instalment of Max Cotton’s voyage of self-sufficiency in the UK. And we finish off with a new episode in our Bangladesh climate change series. Plus we find out more from a young female indigenous persons activist in Colombia. 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/podcasts/episode41 https://www.donorplatform.org https://www.ifad.org/gender https://www.vaoalavanilla.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8qcCdvbfID4bZro8mHemw https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaeowFACztxKCwj8viBrvnw

Duration:01:13:41

Promoting Indigenous Voice

1/30/2023
This month we talk about a crucial yet underrepresented group in the fight for climate change: Indigenous Peoples. Join us on our travels around the world and hear what chefs, activists and experts have to say about the issues most important to their communities, ahead of IFAD’s Indigenous Peoples’ Forum in February. Up first, we chat with IFAD’s very own Ilaria Firmian, a Senior Technical Specialist on Indigenous Peoples, before learning about all kinds of indigenous cuisine, from South Africa to the United States. We continue our journey with a leader and activist in Nicaragua, who battles for her community – from land rights to gender equality. We learn more about Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and how IFAD works to include indigenous voices at all levels of project implementation. We finish of our episode by chatting with our Goodwill Ambassador, Sabrina Elba, before receiving the latest from the climate frontline in Bangladesh. For more info: https://www.ifad.org/podcasts/episode40https://www.ifad.org/en/indigenous-peopleshttps://www.sawa-sudan.orghttps://www.ifad.org/recipesforchangehttps://www.indigikitchen.comhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaeowFACztxKCwj8viBrvnw

Duration:01:02:20

Putting our Money Where our Mouth is

12/26/2022
It’s the end of the year, and we’re jumping headfirst into 2023. First, we introduce a soon-to-be familiar face: our new president, Alvaro Lario, who talks about his plans for IFAD. We then turn to Satu Santala, Associate Vice-President of the External Relations and Governance Department at IFAD, who talks to us about the year ahead and the agency’s priorities for the upcoming funding cycle. She also tells us about the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development, a crucial network of donors focusing on one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals: zero hunger. Earlier this year we spoke to some of these donors about the platform, and now we revisit these conversations to hear about the issues that matter the most to them. We take a look at the problem of gender-based violence as the Global 16 Days Campaign against GBV concludes. We talk to a gender expert about the impact of violence against women at the community level, and the ways we can address it. Wrapping up the episode is the third instalment of our Bangladesh series with Qasa Alom. 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/podcasts/39episode39https://www.donorplatform.org/https://www.ifad.org/en/genderhttps://twitter.com/donorplatform https://kg.linkedin.com/company/global-donor-platform-for-rural-development

Duration:01:07:42

Building Biodiversity for a Successful Farming Future

11/28/2022
As we near next month’s UN Biodiversity Conference – COP 15 – we take a look at a different side of climate change: biodiversity and conservation. On this month’s episode, Senior Biodiversity Specialist Nadine Azzu tells us about her expectations for the conference, and we learn more about the landmark agreement that first brought biodiversity to the table: The Convention on Biological Diversity. We also hear about three IFAD projects that put biodiversity and conservation at the forefront of their missions. Food Systems Summit Director Nadine Gbossa and Nigeria country director Dede Ekoue tell us more about the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development. Our series on Bangladesh continues and our Recipes for Change Chef Carlo Cracco travels to Sri Lanka to find out how jackfruit is helping local communities. We learn about INSURED, an IFAD programme that helps small-scale farmers receive agriculture and climate related insurance. 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/podcasts/episode38 https://www.ifad.org/en/web/knowledge/-/biodiversity-advantage-reporthttps://www.donorplatform.org/

Duration:01:08:46

The Inside Scoop on Climate Change in Africa

10/31/2022
This month’s episode of Farms.Food.Future is all about climate change in Africa. We focus on accomplishments – and shortcomings – on the continent. IFAD’s own Jo Puri introduces IFAD’s climate goals and the expectations for COP27. Our regional specialists Paxina Chileshe and Pathe Sene give us updates on projects in Africa as well as an African perspective on expectations for COP27. We talk to a climate activist and podcaster from Kenya who shares her work with us as well as a message for leaders at COP27. And, we learn about a group in Egypt planting fruit trees to combat both climate change and food insecurity at the same time. 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/podcasts/episode37https://www.ifad.org/en/climate-and-environmenthttps://www.ifad.org/en/web/operations/regions/wcahttps://www.ifad.org/en/web/operations/regions/esa

Duration:01:02:32

Fighting Climate Change in South Asia

9/26/2022
From chefs in India to fisheries in the Maldives, on this month’s episode of Farms.Food.Future. we examine how the relationship between agriculture and climate change is affecting South Asia. We also reflect on 75 years of independence in India and Pakistan and learn about IFAD’s work in Bhutan and the Maldives. Having spoken to youth leaders and participants, we wrap up our agribusiness hubs miniseries with a conversation with the donors who make this work possible. Our guests tell us about their hopes for COP27, and two Indian Recipes for Change chefs share what changes they would like world leaders to make to improve climate resilience. Plus we hear about the new UN endorsed cook book out from Kitchen Connections. 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/podcasts/episode36https://www.ifad.org/en/web/operations/regions/aprhttps://www.ifad.org/en/climate-and-environmenthttps://www.ifad.org/en/fisheries

Duration:01:25:23