A partnership to eradicate rural poverty - IFAD

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Because of this unique contribution, OPEC countries hold a special status at IFAD. Today, the world again faces a crisis, with poverty still the single greatest threat to security and sustainable development. The entire international community now has an unprecedented focus on poverty reduction – embodied in its commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Time-bound and measurable, the MDGs call on the international community to align priorities and approaches, and to build a global partnership for development. With this new global initiative, the need for effective and flexible partnerships is greater than ever. The first target of the MDGs – to halve the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by 2015 – is achievable. In Southern and Eastern Asia, there has been considerable progress towards reducing poverty and hunger, strongly correlated with high levels of investment in agriculture. In sub-Saharan Africa, where public expenditure for agriculture is relatively low, little progress has been made. However, it is very encouraging that African leaders are committed to increase investment in agriculture. Both IFAD and the OPEC Fund are fully committed to the principle of cooperation as we work towards achieving the MDGs. However, we believe, too, in looking beyond the targets. Poverty eradication is about much more than just goals. It is about real people and real needs. It is about grinding hardship, hunger and sickness – the daily lot of 1.2 billion men, women and children who live in extreme poverty. To date, over and above their independent agendas, IFAD and the OPEC Fund have cofinanced 58 programmes and projects in all developing regions of the world. Both institutions also participate in policy dialogue and work to harmonize activities in areas of mutual interest. In 2004, we met officially to explore new ways to work together. At the same time, we acknowledge that our most important partners are poor people themselves. Only by responding to their needs and aspirations will we succeed in enabling them, and their children, to lead a better life. In this context, the long-term partnership between IFAD and the OPEC Fund takes on greater significance. As development partners, we acknowledge the many benefits of combining resources, skills and experience. By bringing our individual strengths to the partnership, we generate synergies that help maximize the impact of our joint efforts. Lennart Båge President of IFAD Suleiman J. Al-Herbish Director-General of the OPEC Fund The key to success in our joint initiatives is complementarity. The OPEC Fund generally supports rural infrastructure, while IFAD focuses on agricultural support services and investment. 4
With support from their crew leader, front, women from an ethnic minority in Hoang Su Phi,Viet Nam, build roads connecting remote villages. 5
Page 1 and 2: IFAD AND THE OPEC FUND A partnershi
Page 3 and 4: Making a difference in the fight ag
Page 5: Foreword It is 30 years since OPEC
Page 9 and 10: Transforming this idea into reality
Page 11 and 12: Gender matters This is especially t
Page 13 and 14: Reversing land degradation through
Page 15 and 16: Each partner focuses on certain sec
Page 17 and 18: IFAD AND THE OPEC FUND COFINANCE PR
Page 19 and 20: Improved irrigation and better anim
Page 21 and 22: IFAD AND THE OPEC FUND JOINTLY SUPP
Page 23 and 24: Cover photo: A man prepares vegetab

A partnership to eradicate rural poverty - IFAD

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