Farms. Food. Future.

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

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 Oliveira from La Via Campesina, who discusses efforts to combat this chronic social problem 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-61 La Via CampesinaLight for the World International: Disability & Development NGOSPARKSOUL FIRE FARM – Ending racism and injustice in the food systemCrisis Response Initiative

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 biodiversity from global conservation leaders, from the hills of southern India to the shores of Madagascar. 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-60 World Wildlife FundNOTICE : Via CampesinaThe Green Belt MovementAadhimalai – Shift the Power to the Producers

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 for Change chef Sophie Grigson speaks about her experience visiting the country earlier this year. 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-59 Sophie GrigsonRecipes for changeAfter Cyclone Freddy, investment brings hope to rural MalawiIFAD in Malawi

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 combat climate change 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. For more information: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/-/podcast-episode-58 Brown's Ranch – "Regenerating Landscapes for a Sustainable Future"Regeneration InternationalHome - FibershedRodale Institute - Global Leaders in Organic Agriculture Research

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 Donor Platform for Rural Development series also continues as we interview Sophia Murphy of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. 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-57 CDSP | Char Development & Settlement ProjectCSAF – Council on Smallholder Agricultural FinanceGlobal Donor Platform for Rural DevelopmentSlow Food - Good, Clean and Fair Food for AllGlobal Home for Indigenous Peoples – #GlobalHome4IP #WeRIndigenous

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 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-56 Roman RojasMayra PintoShakira ChuraInicio - ChipesVideos RuralesProyecto Puentes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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/episode47

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/episode46www.saengskitchen.comwww.instagram.com/saengdouangdarawww.facebook.com/saengdouangdarawww.youtube.com/saengskitchenThe Laotian Cook: Traditional recipes from Northern Laos

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/episode45