“IFAD is proud to be a partner with FAO in the Commit to Grow Equality initiative and we will continue to be ambitious: for example, under IFAD13's USD 10 billion programme of work, 35 percent of our projects will be classified as gender transformative at design.”Katherine Meighan
Associate Vice-President and General Counsel, International Fund for Agricultural Development (high-level CGE event, New York, 24 September 2024 – video message)
[O2] At least 35 percent of IFAD projects between 2025 and 2027 will be classified as gender transformative at design.
IFAD had committed to 25 percent of its projects being qualified as gender transformative during IFAD11 (2019–2021). During this period, 49 percent of all projects approved were validated as gender transformative.
By the end of 2027, at least 35 percent of all IFAD projects approved between 2025 and 2027 will be classified as gender transformative at design, ensuring that these initiatives actively address structural barriers, challenge discriminatory norms, and embed gender equality as a core outcome in rural development investments.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has set a target for 35 percent of its projects to be gender transformative, reflecting its commitment to addressing the systemic inequalities that hinder rural development and inclusive agricultural productivity. This target underscores IFAD's recognition that empowering women is not only a matter of equity but also a key driver of sustainable development.
In rural areas, women play a central role in agriculture and household food security, yet they often face disproportionate challenges. These include limited access to land, credit, technology and decision-making platforms, exacerbated by restrictive cultural norms. Such barriers not only limit women’s potential but also reduce the overall productivity and resilience of rural communities. Gender-transformative projects go beyond addressing immediate needs; they aim to challenge and change these structural inequalities by fostering shifts in social norms, behaviours and power dynamics.
IFAD’s target aligns with its broader commitment to the SDGs, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). By integrating gender-transformative approaches, IFAD ensures that women are not just beneficiaries but active agents of change in agrifood systems. This contributes to more inclusive decision-making, equitable resource distribution, and long-term improvements in household and community well-being.
The relevance of this target lies in its transformative potential. Studies show that closing the gender gap in agriculture could increase yields by 20–30 percent, significantly enhancing food security and economic growth. Moreover, women’s empowerment fosters resilience against climate shocks, as women are more likely to adopt sustainable practices and invest in household needs. By prioritizing gender-transformative projects, IFAD not only advances gender equality but also creates a multiplier effect, generating broader social and economic benefits for rural communities worldwide.
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Required citation:
FAO. 2025. Commit to Grow Equality: investing in the future of women in agrifood systems – Progress report 2025. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4123en
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