The links between rural development and the MDGs were underscored at the recent member’s assembly of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Convening under the theme “Make Rural Poverty History,” the 28th session of the IFAD Governing Council, which took place from 15-18 February in Rome, approved US$53.3 million to finance the organization’s administration, initiated consultations on the seventh replenishment of its resources, and re-elected Lennart Båge as its President.
The session hosted roundtables that: shared experiences on the role of agricultural growth and achieving the MDGs between Asia and the Pacific and Western and Central Africa; discussed national strategies for rural poverty reduction; and underscored the need to reduce rural poverty in order to achieve the MDGs. A panel discussion on rural investment and enabling policy for rural development was also convened. The official session was preceded by special events focusing on IFAD’s action plan for the tsunami response, integrating indigenous peoples’ perspectives on development to reach the MDGs, and farmer organizations, policies and markets. More information is available on the IFAD GC website.