As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary this month, China and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) celebrate 45 years of collaboration that has reshaped rural development paradigms worldwide. This partnership, rooted in combating poverty and hunger, offers a blueprint for sustainable growth in emerging economies.
From Poverty Reduction to Global Leadership
Since joining IFAD in 1980, the Chinese mainland has implemented 35 rural development projects benefiting 4.65 million families. These initiatives pioneered climate-smart agriculture, digital farming solutions, and inclusive financial systems – key drivers behind China's historic 2020 achievement of eliminating extreme poverty.
New Frontiers in Rural Revitalization
With new $460 million projects launched in Hunan and Gansu provinces, IFAD now focuses on:
Climate-resilient food systems aligned with carbon neutrality goals
5G-enabled smart fisheries and IoT-based irrigation networks
Empowering women-led enterprises in tea production and traditional crafts
Exporting Development Wisdom
Through South-South cooperation, China shares its rural transformation experience with developing nations. The newly approved 2025-2030 country strategy emphasizes creating replicable models for sustainable institutions and green agribusiness practices.
As IFAD Representative Nii Quaye-Kumah notes: “This partnership demonstrates how targeted investments in rural communities can yield dividends that transcend borders – feeding families, cooling the planet, and building economic resilience simultaneously.”
