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Radio is the only means of communication for two thirds of people living in rural Africa, making it an essential and powerful platform that can help drive food security. Now, emerging technology is making it easier than ever for vital information to reach those who need it most. In this episode, we explore how information can efficiently reach rural farmers, from trusted radio broadcasts to new AI-driven solutions, before closing out the year on a sweet note with sustainable chocolate. Find out more: How technology is closing the rural information gap

Over one billion people on this planet have a disability, many of them in rural areas. Persons with disabilities play an essential role in food systems, yet many barriers remain to their full participation in rural societies. In this episode, we explore how inclusive rural development changes lives – and what it means to build meaningful routes into agriculture. From training and awareness-raising to adapted agricultural tools, learn how IFAD strives to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive in rural communities. Find out more: How inclusive agriculture changes lives

Adaptation can seem daunting for rural businesses, but it’s a win-win. By adopting sustainable farming techniques like agroforestry, small-scale farmers can drive economic growth while protecting their land. In the third episode in our “Life stories” mini-series, we head to the Peruvian Amazon to see adaptation in action. Join us as IFAD Recipes for Change chef Waldir Maqque meets with Ruth, whose farmers’ association has become a key player in the local cacao value chain with IFAD’s support. Find out more: Life stories from Peru: Adapting with cacao - Episode 96

For small-scale farmers, resilience isn't just about preventing loses – it's about creating lasting value. That’s why climate adaptation is the key to prosperity, stability and shared growth. As the world looks toward COP30, we unpack why adaptation is one of the smartest investments we can make – and how bold climate action drives thriving rural communities and economies. Plus, we meet with a small-scale farmer in Malawi who is dedicated to boosting rural youth employment. Find out more: Why resilience pays off - Episode 95

Around the world, small-scale farmers are pushing our food systems to evolve. They’re the key to producing enough safe, nutritious food to feed the world sustainably. In this episode, we explore how IFAD works hand in hand with rural communities to build a more nourishing future. Learn how innovative agroecology projects are driving economic growth and hear directly from IFAD’s President, Alvaro Lario, about how school meals are inextricably linked to resilient local food systems. This episode continues our collaboration with the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development.   Find out more: Ensuring safe, nutritious and sustainable food for all - Episode 94

Rural women are the innovators, leaders and changemakers at the core of our planet’s food systems. That’s why supporting them is essential to building a sustainable future. In honour of the International Day of Rural Women, we’re celebrating their vital contributions. Join us as we explore how empowering women through training, access to resources and leadership opportunities leads to stronger rural communities and measurable improvements in income, food security and resilience. This episode continues our collaboration with the Global Donor Platform for Rural Development. Find out more: Why investing in rural women is a trillion-dollar opportunity - Episode 93

One quarter of the global labour force works in agriculture, and they know it’s a stressful business. As agriculture becomes increasingly unpredictable, it’s essential to support the mental well-being of our farmers. In this episode, we examine the psychological pressures facing farmers, from climate-related stress to market instability. We also highlight community-based solutions from StrongMinds in Uganda and Compañeros en Salud in Mexico, and speak with Dr. Britt Wray about the broader mental health impacts of the climate crisis. Find out more:  Who’s looking out for our farmers’ mental health? - Episode 92

World leaders will gather in New York for 80th session of the UN General Assembly – where rural communities hit hard by climate change, conflict and hunger have a chance to be heard on the global stage. In this episode, we hear from advocates who are taking action to amplify these rural voices. Join us as we discuss how rural development is financed, the power of building political movements and how we can keep food security high on the political agenda. Find out more: Elevating rural voices on the global stage - Episode 91

In 2022, 1 billion meals a day were wasted, while 783 million people were affected by hunger. There’s plenty of food to go around – it’s just not getting to those who need it. In this episode, we explore three powerful and distinct approaches to transforming our global food systems. Tune in to hear about blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation, using science to breed more resource-efficient crops and turning food waste into valuable resources. Find out more: How do we feed more people with the food we already grow? - Episode 90

Around the world, young rural people aren't just waiting for change – they're making it happen themselves.  In this special International Youth Day episode, we spotlight the next generation of agricultural leaders. Join us as we explore how young people are transforming food systems – and how organizations like IFAD support their vision.  Find out more: Are we ready to listen to young rural people? – Episode 89

In this episode, we sit down with IFAD’s newest Recipes for Change chef, Ana Villota whose journey from Ecuador to Canada has shaped her zero-waste, slow-food approach to baking.  We also hear from IFAD’s Goodwill Ambassador, Sabrina Elba, about why small-scale farmers are key to climate action, and Talking Foreign Affairs host, Adil Cader, about how global food stories connect us all.  Find out more: Slow food, steady change – Episode 88

Sometimes, building the future of farming means drawing on centuries-old traditions. Indigenous small-scale farmers can help rural communities around the world forge a new, sustainable path forward. In the second episode of our “Life stories” mini-series, we meet Pallab Chakma from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts and Dayana Domicó from Colombia’s Emberá community. They share powerful stories about land, identity, ancestral traditions and hope for the future. For more information: Life stories from Bangladesh and Colombia - Episode 87

What’s next for development finance? It’s increasingly clear the answer must go beyond traditional models. Just look at remittances: the money sent home by migrants now surpasses official aid to low- and middle-income countries. Our challenge is ensuring these flows drive lasting change. As global leaders prepare to meet at the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, we explore the future of funding for rural communities – from remittances to private investment, blended finance and beyond. Find out more: What’s next for development finance? - Episode 86

Rural communities around the world farm a diverse range of land under one sky. But no matter their varying challenges, they are united by the resilience and ingenuity of their solutions.  This episode tells their stories. We talk to British chef and TV presenter Si King – one half of eloved culinary duo The Hairy Bikers – as he meets Mongolian herders balancing tradition with sustainability. Then, we head to South Africa’s arid Karoo, where farmer Jack Lewis is proving that innovation can flourish even in the harshest conditions.  For more information: Same sky, different soil - Episode 85 Recipes for Change Mongolia with Chef Si King - Watch the film and try out the Buzz and Lapsha recipes yourself!

Fashion doesn't just start on the runway. It can have origins deep in a forest or even in the leftovers of yesterday’s meal. On this episode, we’re looking at how communities and creators are turning farm waste into cutting-edge fashion. In the Peruvian Amazon, Indigenous members of the Awajún community are creating Shiringa BioLeather, an eco-friendly alternative to animal leather. And in Italy, orange peels are being transformed into luxury textiles. Finally, we look at how fashion is linked to land degradation and what that means for the future of the industry. From ancestral knowledge to modern design, we embark on a journey through fashion that respects its roots and reimagines its future. Featuring Enrica Arena, Jorge Cajacuri, Emma Håkansson, Doris and Rosalia - Indigenous Awajún Women of the Peruvian Amazon, and Xenya Scanlon.  For more information: From farm waste to green fashion - Episode 84