2024 Workstream
In this special episode for the International Day of Rural Women, hear how rural women are transforming food systems as they share stories of resilience, innovation and leadership in agri-business from Kenya and Uganda to India.
Tim Diphoorn, European Director of Business Development at One Acre Fund, shares why we need to think differently about funding in rural development.
Genna Tesdall, Director of Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD), shares her own experiences leading a global, youth-led organization.
Sebastian Pedraza is the Latin America Country Coordinator of Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) and the Chair of the YPARD Board. He shares his experiences both growing up in a rural environment and now working with rural youth to give them opportunities and a voice in their futures.
Seville, 30 June 2025 - At the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), the Donor Platform hosted a high-level side event titled “Financing Agrifood Systems for People, Planet and Prosperity,” marking the launch of a new White Paper that calls for a dramatic shift in how the world invests in agrifood systems.
The global community needs a new financing model that aligns public and private capital, leverages innovation and positions agrifood systems at the centre of sustainable development. This White Paper outlines a bold yet practical agenda to unlock the capital, partnerships, and innovation needed to drive change at scale.
Agnes Johan, Head of Blended Finance at Rabo Partnerships, shares why food systems must become a global priority and the surprising progress emerging market banks are making on sustainability. From her roots in agricultural economics to her passion for blended finance, she offers a grounded, hopeful vision for impactful change.
Ines Rocha, Regional Director for Europe at IFC, shares what keeps her up at night—from the war in Ukraine to climate-driven disasters—and why, despite the challenges, she remains hopeful about the momentum for change. Hear how private sector innovation and collective global action are shaping a more sustainable future.
Using innovative approaches to finance the future of food was the key theme and focus of the Platform’s activities in 2024. This year’s report highlights the crucial role of official development assistance (ODA), innovative blended finance, and private sector collaboration in transforming food systems and revitalizing rural development globally.
Global food systems face a financing crisis, with an annual shortfall of up to $400 billion needed for transformation. Meanwhile, the hidden costs of food production—ranging from environmental damage to health impacts—amount to US$12 trillion each year. As donor priorities shift, can development aid be reimagined to build resilient, sustainable food systems? This article explores the path forward for development communities across the world.
The Global Donor Platform for Rural Development is a vibrant partnership, advocacy and knowledge network of key donors focusing on food security and rural development.
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