The steep mountainsides of Yunnan province are green with orchards that supply sweet mangoes to eager shoppers across China. But getting the fruit to markets in the valleys is not a straightforward matter.Most farm vehicles can’t navigate the terrain, leaving farmers to carry heavy baskets down steep slopes themselves or hire expensive labourers. The mangoes often lose their freshness by the time they reach the market, cutting further into profits.In Huaping County, a newly installed monorail system is bridging the gap – and transforming communities in the process.Transporting rural youth homeWith so much hard and time-consuming labour needed to make even small returns, it’s no wonder that many of rural Huaping’s young people once simply left to find work in the cities.Xie Fanghua was among them. He seized the chance to go to Kunming, the provincial capital, to gain vocational training and find a high-paying job.But on a visit home to his parents, he noticed the difficulties farmers faced in getting their fruit to market – and spotted an opportunity to return to his roots. Xie left his city job and founded the Lijiang Fangyuan Agricultural Technology Development Company to devise solutions to his community’s problems. At first introducing a cable transportation scheme, Xie refined his ideas until he had developed the perfect solution to Huaping’s challenging terrain: a monorail system. His company laid custom-designed tracks starting from the points where harvested mangoes are sorted and packed, and ending at unloading points from which they can be transported.Today, a small train runs semi-automatically along the tracks, packed with fruit that it transports safely and efficiently down the mountainside. Spreading connectivitySeeing the change the monorail made in his own community, Xie was determined to make his technology accessible to other farmers who needed it. With a 1.15 million-yuan (US$158,000) loan from IFAD’s Y2RDP initiative matching his company’s own investment, Xie set up a 350 m2 facility in 2023 to expand production.The demand was immediate. Within a year, over 20,000 metres of track had been laid and were in use by 100 farmers. Y2RDP subsidies enabled farmers to purchase the system at a third below the market rate, while registered low-income farmers paid even less. While larger or more isolated orchards may set up their own systems, farmers with adjacent orchards often share a train to reduce costs. They pay a small service fee to cover the costs of purchase, operation, maintenance and fuel.The monorails have also created jobs, while support services such as professional weeding have sprung up around them. Best of all, as farmers increase their own incomes, agriculture is finally becoming an appealing option for young people in Huaping.“In Yunnan, there’s no terrain challenge we can’t solve when it comes to transportation,” says Xie, now 36 years old. “Our goal is to serve more fruit-growing locations and drive the development of the agricultural industry.”

World leaders are gathering in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) to work towards an ambitious climate financial goal for climate change adaptation. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized United Nations agency and international financial institution, urges policymakers to recognize that investing in small-scale farmers' climate resilience is not merely a cost but a wise investment decision yielding significant economic and social returns.Despite the critical role of smallholder farmers in the quest for global food security, IFAD estimates that there is still a staggering annual funding gap of up to $75 billion to support their adaptation to climate change, especially in developing countries. Currently, global climate finance allocated to small-scale agri-food systems remains precariously inadequate. In 2019 and 2020, the average annual funding was only $5.53 billion, constituting just 0.8 percent of total climate finance across all sectors. This symptomatic underinvestment persists when approximately 735 million people face hunger, exacerbated by climate-related challenges such as increased heat, droughts, and extreme weather events. Projections indicate that climate change could drive an additional 132 million people into poverty by 2030.The implications for agricultural productivity are profound and alarming. By 2035, we may see food inflation rise by 50 percent due to climate-related factors and by the end of the century, climate change could reduce crop yields by as much as 25 percent.All nations have buckled up and are contributing to their part in the fight against hunger. IFAD has been a partner of choice in this fight. For instance, since 1980, IFAD has been investing in rural people and empowering them to improve food security and nutrition in China. In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming increase in extreme weather events, with high temperatures and heavy precipitation becoming more frequent and severe. Last year, the climate conditions were particularly challenging, characterized by a warm and dry climate alongside significant flooding and drought disasters. According to the China Meteorological Administration, the national average temperature reached an all-time high, while the number of rainfall days was among the lowest on record.Recognizing the critical role of smallholder farmers – who make up 90 percent of the agricultural workforce and cultivate 70 percent of arable land – the Chinese government has prioritized support for these farmers to adapt to climate change. The National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2035, released in 2022, emphasizes investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and the development of provincial adaptation action plans to promote grassroots resilience initiatives, particularly in vulnerable regions. IFAD in China continues to complement the efforts of the government by partnering to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers against climate shocks. Our investments focus on helping farmers adopt sustainable practices, improve productivity, and enhance food security. For example, in Biandangou Town, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, we have supported a sustainable agricultural model that integrates field corn cultivation, beef cattle raising, and organic fertilizer production. This cyclical approach not only enhances ecological sustainability but also provides economic returns for the farmers. Also, in Hunan Province, our support for straw returning technology reduces pollution from straw burning and minimizes soil water evaporation, better preparing the land for the next planting season and enhancing resilience against dry conditions.China continues to play a significant role as a contributor to climate resilience beyond its borders. According to the World Resource Institute, between 2013 and 2022, climate finance flowing from China to other developing countries amounted to nearly $45 billion, accounting for 6.1 percent of the total climate finance provided by developed nations in the same period.In contributing beyond its borders, another important instrument in our work is the China-IFAD South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) facility, which we use to leverage China's knowledge and expertise in climate resilience to benefit other developing countries, as well as enabling China to learn valuable lessons from these countries. Last year, the facility launched a project in Kenya, partnering with Egerton University and Nanjing Agricultural University to pilot climate-resilient horticultural technologies, such as tomato grafting and smart LED grow lights. These initiatives aim to improve productivity and provide technical training to rural communities in Nakuru County.The task ahead is arduous, but not insurmountable. We recognize that at IFAD and that is why we have agreed with the Chinese government that in the coming years, our joint work will promote environment- and climate-smart practices to strengthen rural ecological conservation and restoration and build climate resilience. We will also focus on leveraging China's expertise, knowledge and innovation, especially for promoting environmentally friendly practices for agriculture and food systems transformation at regional and global levels.I am hopeful that through collaboration and dedication, political will, and adequate investment, we can build a more resilient future for smallholder farmers globally. Together, we can ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind in the face of climate change.

As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, we savor the moment to reflect on the nation's remarkable agricultural transformation over time. From being a country that grappled with food insecurity and rural poverty, today China has successfully secured food for over 1.4 billion people — nearly 18 percent of the world's population — while utilizing just 7 percent of the world's arable land.China's rural areas are home to 36.11 percent of its population. Rural areas in developing countries — where hunger and extreme poverty are most concentrated — also hold the greatest potential for food production. It has been proven that investing in these areas drive economic growth and create jobs. China's journey from severe food deficiency to becoming the largest food producer, offers valuable lessons for global food and nutrition security efforts. This is especially so at a time when the world faces mounting challenges that impact food security such as conflict, climate variabilities, economic downturns and resource scarcity.Since 1980, the International Fund for Agricultural Development has been a steadfast partner in China's rural development journey. Through 35 projects in some of the harshest and very remote rural areas, IFAD has supported over 20 million rural women and men, improving their livelihoods. This partnership has been pivotal in supporting China's extraordinary efforts to eliminate extreme poverty and enhance national and global food and nutrition security.Forty years ago, more than 90 percent of China's rural population lived in absolute poverty. In its early partnership with China, IFAD focused on addressing immediate challenges of the country. The goal was straightforward: to help farmers grow more food — crop, livestock and fisheries. Through financial aid and technical support, IFAD worked with China to enhance grain, animal and fisheries production, modernize farming techniques, and promote food security.As China transitioned to a market-oriented economy at the end of the 20th century, IFAD's focus expanded beyond just food production to innovative technologies, as well as enhancing smallholders, particularly women and ethnic minorities' access to finance and improving their linkage to markets. This strategic shift empowered rural women and marginalized communities by providing them with essential skills and integrating their voices into decision-making processes. Additionally, IFAD promoted the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, which contributed to more efficient farming practices and increased participation in the market economy.When China declared in 2012, its goal to eradicate extreme poverty by lifting the last 98.99 million people out of extreme poverty by 2020, IFAD's partnership strategy shifted toward a more holistic approach. The new direction aligned with China's broader vision for agriculture and food security, incorporating rural revitalization, green and inclusive development, and digital transformation, all aimed at ensuring no one is left behind. As part of its contribution, IFAD is supporting China in implementing farmland enhancement in remote areas to improve the quality, productivity, and sustainability of agricultural land in Sichuan province and Ningxia Hui autonomous region. In Yunnan province, IFAD has funded women and ethnic minority entrepreneurs like Ms Zou Jie from Huaping county, whose company created 15,000 job opportunities and significantly boosted the local economy. In Hunan province, IFAD built village irrigation infrastructure and is promoting the use of organic fertilizer, so that the cooperatives supported will be resilient and still cultivate the land whenever rain is scarce. Additionally, IFAD projects are also creating employment opportunities for the youth so they will remain in or return to rural areas.China's transformation has not only benefited its own rural communities but has positioned the country as a leader in global food security initiatives. According to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report 2024, jointly published by IFAD, FAO, WFP, UNICEF and WHO in July, an estimated 28.9 percent of the global population in 2023 was moderately or severely food insecure. Through South-South and Triangular Cooperation, China and IFAD have shared agricultural knowledge, innovation and technologies with other developing nations, safeguarding the food security and livelihoods of local farmers. China's $10 million contribution to establish the China-IFAD SSTC Facility in 2018, along with another $10 million replenishment in June 2024, has made the facility pivotal for knowledge and expertise exchange and technology transfer within the Global South.Despite these notable achievements, some challenges exist. As China continues its journey, it is essential to ensure that all citizens have access to nutritious food in addition to enhancing food production. The future of China's food security will hinge on integrating sustainable agricultural practices that promote environmental stewardship and public health. This includes efforts to reduce food loss and waste, improve the food systems, and enhance the overall nutritional quality of food, while ensuring that progress in food production translates into improved health and well-being for all.Overall, China's journey is a testament to what can be achieved through careful and systematic planning, innovation, policy reform, and international cooperation. The country has demonstrated its prolificacy through the evolutions in the poverty and food security landscapes. This noteworthy evolution has significantly contributed to global food security, stabilizing food markets, and providing lessons in resilience and growth. China's success is not a fluke — it's a product of meticulous planning, investment, and commitment of its leadership. It demonstrates how targeted strategies and collaborative efforts can drive substantial improvements in agricultural productivity and rural development.As China transitions into a carbon-neutral economy, IFAD will continue its strong partnership to support China to sustain and expand the gains in poverty alleviation and comprehensively realize rural revitalization. This would be done through supporting innovative and resilient rural livelihood practices, greening the agricultural sector through environmentally and climate-smart interventions, and sharing the knowledge generated through our activities and those of others in-country with other developing countries through South-South and triangular cooperation.The op-ed was originally published by China Daily.

 Today, on International Day of South-South Cooperation, we are confronted by a world further split by its divides across all dimensions.Conflicts and geopolitics are putting a great strain on nations and people of all strides, putting their peace and prosperity at risk.If we are to achieve the 2030 Agenda, we must reverse our recent course and resume our path of progress towards sustainable development.The UN’s role in South-South cooperation Four years ago, I assumed the role of Resident Coordinator in China amidst a once-in-a-century pandemic.As I deployed, it became clear that a revitalization of the global partnership for sustainable development was necessary around the globe, to keep our promises and achieve the SDGs by 2030. It gave great clarity to me, as Resident Coordinator, on what had to be done. This was however no small task for the United Nations in China, including my team in the Resident Coordinator Office. With the circumstances often forcing us to convene online, this fuelled much distrust globally while stalling our progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Meanwhile, many came to question the ability of international cooperation and multilateralism to achieve results in a world that has become increasingly polarized.South-South cooperation has long been recognized as a framework for countries in the Global South to contribute to their national well-being, national and collective self-reliance, and the attainment of internationally agreed commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, our task over the past years has been to renew this collaborative spirit through a dialogue with our counterparts from government and other sectors of society on how China’s experience and expertise could be best shared with other countries, focusing primarily on those in Africa.  Reimagining South-South cooperation for AfricaChina has long been Africa’s largest trading partner.Chinese projects, have sprung up all over the continent, including the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya. But as fiscal space has tightened, so too have needs widened on the continent. The climate crisis has wreaked havoc in Africa, placing pressure on food security and agriculture, accelerating the need to rapidly transition to affordable and clean energy.Similarly, the growing cohort of young people in Africa has turned the world’s attention to their needs, and their capacities in areas such as technology and innovation.Transforming partnerships into actionThrough our Transformative Partnerships Initiative, the UN in China has sought to foster policy and technical discussions with our Host Country and other Member States, particularly the African Ambassadors Group in Beijing, to identify ways to accelerate action towards the SDGs.We have aimed to identify the specific areas for potential collaboration between China and African countries stemming from the FOCAC process and to seek out where more cooperation can contribute to progress on sustainable development, in a way that maximizes impact for people and planet.Throughout our work, African Ambassadors have led the process, for example, in preparing for the FOCAC summit in Beijing. As the Resident Coordinator, along with my UN Country Team, we are committed to convening, connecting, and catalyzing action. We believe in bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders - extending beyond our traditional partners to include academics, civil society organizations, and the private sector. This approach is evident in our efforts, from conversations on tackling drought in the Horn of Africa to calling attention to the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change.  As concrete proposals evolve from such discussions here in China, we hope to eventually see more progress on the SDGs realized for the people of Africa.Now more than ever, we need bridge builders and torchbearers for sustainable development.So, let this International Day of South-South Cooperation bring us one step closer to a better tomorrow, together.