H.E. Mr. Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) paid a courtesy call on President James Michel this afternoon at State House. Mr. Nwanze and his delegation are on a working visit in Seychelles upon the invitation of the Government.

He was accompanied by Mr. Perin St. Ange, Regional Director of the Division for East and Southern Africa and David Paqui, events officer, media relations and external communications of the communications division from IFAD.

To note, this is the first official visit of President of IFAD to the Seychelles on official business. Mr. Nwanze thanked President Michel for the warm welcome he had received and long term partnership that exist between Seychelles and the agency.     

“IFAD is the right partner to help us to grow further in the future where our food security is concern and we hope to bring the cooperation at a higher level with close partnership with the agency,” said President Michel.

President Michel and Mr. Nwanze have pursued discussions in regards to Seychelles re-engagement with IFAD as there have very little activities for the past fifteen years and IFAD’S willingness to listen and see how to support the Seychelles in its food and security agenda, particularly as it addresses the role of small producers whether it is in crops, fisheries, livestock etc which is the area where IFAD has a lot of experience.

He also briefed the President about the different meeting held with the local high officials and supported projects such ‘Climate Smart Small Holder Agriculture (CLISSA) proposed through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Industry.

Mr. Nwanze congratulated the President for the new appointment of Mr. Périn St Ange who is now the Regional Director of the Division for East and Southern Africa.

President Michel expressed the interest in how small island states of the Indian Ocean can come together in terms of a sub-regional approach with a concept to maximise the use of its resources; that is the blue economy. A concept highly supported by the President of IFAD. 

Also present for the meeting, was the Minister for Natural Resources and Industry, Mr. Peter Sinon, Diplomatic Advisor in the Office of the President, Ambassador Callixte D’Offay, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Barry Faure and other officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Editor’s Note:

•Seychelles is a member of IFAD since 1978.

•The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations and was established as an international financial institution in 1977 as one of the outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference and its mission is to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. It has 167 members and the headquarters is based in Rome, Italy.

•At a glance: IFAD:

Focused on agriculture and rural development

Is a unique partnership of member states from OECD, OPEC and other developing countries

Is one of the largest sources of development financing for agriculture and rural development in many developing countries (since 1978, IFAD has invested US$12.9 billion in 892 projects and programme that have reached some 405 million poor rural people)

Works with partners to empower poor rural women/men to improve their food and security and increase their incomes

Is among the top three multilateral institutions working in agriculture in Africa, with almost 40% of its funding going to the continent

Supported 892 programmes and projects in 119 countries and territories 

Mobilize close to US$20.8 billion in co financing and funding from domestic sources for rural development, in addition to IFAD’s contribution of almost US$12.9 billion in loans and grants

Empowered more than 405 million people to grow more food, better manage their land and other natural resources, learn new skills, start small business, build strong organizations and gain a voice in the decisions that affect their lives

IFAD ‘s latest strategic framework is for 2011-2015 with activities aimed at; enabling poor people to improve their food security and nutrition; raise their income and strengthen their resilience