Achieving new Global Goals will require increased investments in smallholder agriculture say development leaders at Rome conference

IFAD President, Kanayo F. Nwanze

Rome, 17 February 2016 – Development leaders, heads of state and government representatives gathered for the opening of the 39th Session of the Governing Council of the International Fund forAgricultural Development (IFAD) to explore ways of boosting investments in smallholder agriculture that are essential to achieving the Global Goals of ending poverty and hunger.
In his opening statement, Sergio Mattarella, the President of the Italian Republic, said investing in smallholder agriculture in developing countries was a cross-cutting issue that helps to stabilize communities and countries and reduce migration and conflict.