The and Mozambique's fisheries ministry piloted eight anchored fish‑aggregating devices (aFADs) in Cabo Delgado to help small-scale fishers access offshore tuna. Made from sustainable materials like coconut fronds, these buoyed devices attract microorganisms, small fish, and larger species, offering predictable fishing spots. Training and gear provision helped fishers like Mário Sadique boost catches from 1–5 kg to ~20 kg per trip, increasing earnings and reducing time at sea.
Agriculture and Food
High in the Peruvian Andes, the resilient community of Culta — perched over 3,800 metres above sea level near Lake Titicaca — is . As rain and frost wiped out crops and droughts dried up springs, local women leaders, like Pascuala Pari and Fanny Ninaraqui, rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Their secret weapon? Seeds! Through colorful seed banks and clever exchanges — think bartering quinoa like Pokémon cards — they’re reviving ancient crops such as the cañihua [an heirloom crop related to quinoa], oca [a traditional root vegetable], and multi-colored quinoa. Backed by , GEF’s Small Grants Programme, and Peru’s Ministry of Environment, these women-led groups are not just planting food; they’re sowing resilience, reclaiming lost biodiversity, and leading the charge for sustainable farming with sprinklers, savvy, and spirit. With each harvest, they’re proving that agrobiodiversity isn’t just about crops; it’s about culture, climate action, and a whole lot of courage.
Horses have quietly shaped human history for thousands of years — ploughing fields, carrying armies, connecting cultures, and healing hearts. Today, over 112 million working equids help sustain the livelihoods of 600 million people across the globe. In recognition of this enduring partnership, the UN has declared 11 July “World Horse Day”, calling for global awareness of the vital roles horses play — and the rising challenges they face. It’s a time to celebrate, protect, and stand by these remarkable companions.
Small-scale farmers live on the frontlines of climate change – and because they grow so much of the world’s food, their ability to adapt is in everybody’s interest. Munashe and Tamari live in Zimbabwe’s southeastern drylands, where rain has grown scarcer in recent years and crop failure has become commonplace. But with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) they have been able to double their crop yields. With the resulting income boost, they have renovated their home and paid for their children’s education. Rural development is IFAD’s bread and butter. As the only UN agency exclusively dedicated to transforming agriculture, rural economies and food systems, it makes sure that small-scale farmers can improve their lives. To mark the first-ever World Rural Development Day, take a look at of the Fund's work.
Between 2021 and 2023, Kenya faced its worst drought in 40 years. In Turkana County alone, more than 200,000 pastoralists abandoned their way of life. Lake Turkana, the world’s largest permanent desert lake and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers hope. It produced 17,300 metric tonnes of fish in recent years, and could produce considerably more. The World Food Programme (WFP) and UNESCO, in collaboration with the Marsabit and Turkana County Governments, are launching a new programme to sustainably unlock the lake's economic potential for those living along its shores.
As key agents of change, the current generation of young people must increase food production, replace an aging workforce, and adapt to increasing extreme climate events. With 1.3 billion individuals aged 15 to 24 globally, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released a comprehensive report titled “,” which examines and emphasizes the crucial role of youth in transforming agrifood systems to improve food security, nutrition, and economic opportunities.
In Sasmuan, Philippines, women sustain their families and ecosystems by fishing, weaving nets, and processing crabs. Facing pollution and declining fish stocks, they diversify incomes through crab paste and pickled sea purslane. Along the Mabuanbuan alley, women of all ages gather each morning to untangle crabs from the nets. On average, families harvest around 10 kilos of crabs per day. The UNDP-backed Integrated River Basin Management Project, executed by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of Asia (PEMSEA) Resource Facility aids in watershed conservation and women's empowerment.
In West Africa, fonio farming is more than just agriculture, it’s a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage. Chef Binta, an award-winning chef and advocate for nomadic cuisine, is empowering women farmers by promoting this ancient grain. Through the Fulani Kitchen Foundation and support from FAO, she is helping communities enhance food security and shape a sustainable future while celebrating culinary traditions.
Khilamaya Nepali stands in her parcel of land, observing a fly trap among her bitter gourd plants. She confidently explains that the trap, using a specific chemical, captures male flies to control their population, a method learned in her farmer field school. She takes pride in her skills and her participation in this initiative. The farmer field schools are part of the Building a Resilient Churia Region in Nepal project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations () with the Government of Nepal, aimed at empowering farmers to address climate-related agricultural challenges.
From the highest cloud forest in the Andes to one of the smallest fish in a Chilean river, biodiversity is the invisible thread that ties ecosystems together and sustains agricultural production and food security. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystems and agricultural production, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, which host about 50% of the world’s primary forests. These forests play vital roles in carbon sequestration. However, biodiversity is declining due to human activities and climate change. The agrifood sector depends on biodiversity for services like soil health, pest control, and pollination. Acknowledging this, three -funded projects are dedicated to conserving and restoring ecosystems in Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela.
Mute'e, a Yemeni farmer, dreams of better living conditions for his family, while Yemen’s rural population faces ongoing conflict, climate challenges, and limited resources.
In Yucatan, women are transforming beekeeping into a powerful tool for environmental conservation, financial independence, and community sisterhood through the ancient practice of meliponiculture.
Potatoes are more than just a staple of many diets—they play a vital role in ending hunger, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting small-scale family farmers. The International Day of the Potato (30 May), under the theme “”, highlights the crop’s deep historical and cultural significance over millennia. in spreading the word about the power of the potato! Promote its contributions, support the conservation of its rich diversity, and advocate for stronger value chains for a more sustainable future.
Tea is the world’s most consumed drink, after water. It is believed to have originated in northeast India, north Myanmar and southwest China, with evidence of its consumption in China dating back 5,000 years. This year, (21 May) highlights tea’s vital role in livelihoods, sustainability, and well-being. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea, while working to make its production sustainable “from field to cup” ensuring its benefits for people, cultures and the environment continue for generations.
Our planet sustains all life by providing clean air, water, and food. Rural communities, including farmers, fishers, and herders, recognize that their well-being is connected to the health of the earth. Diverse ecosystems support food production and economic prosperity. To support these communities, the International Fund for Agricultural Development () collaborates with governments to finance sustainable projects, in sustainable land management and $1.4 billion in climate finance since 2000. From 2018 to 2023, 70% of IFAD projects focused on conserving biodiversity, and 60% promoted agroecological practices. These initiatives empower rural people to care for the environment while benefiting from its resources.