IFAD-supported investment 'improves quality of life of rural poor in Turkey'

Development projects in Turkey supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have helped improve the incomes and quality of life of the rural poor, according to the findings of an independent evaluation, which were presented on Jan. 28 in Ankara by the Independent Office of Evaluation of IFAD. 

The report points out that important achievement was made through rural infrastructure initiatives, which increased agricultural productivity and promoted commercialization, said the IFAD in a written statement. 

In Turkey, agriculture is the second most important source of employment in rural areas and the largest employer of women. 

The report highlights that the long-standing partnership between IFAD, an international financial institution and specialized agency of the United Nations, and the government of Turkey is strategically important to both.

"Beyond IFAD's financing role, there has been demand for IFAD to be a more active player in sharing its technical expertise and international knowledge and experience, as a way to enrich the partnership, especially in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Turkey," said the statement. 

The largest IFAD-supported investment in the country has been in rural infrastructure, which includes building village roads and irrigation and improving markets and transport in several provinces in eastern Anatolia, including Ardahan, Artvin, Batman, Bingöl, Diyarbak?r, Elaz??, Erzincan, Kars, Mu?, Siirt and Sivas.
 
"At IFAD we know that our work to support rural woman and men to build better lives can only be improved by assessing our programs and projects in an independent and accountable way," said Lakshmi Menon, Associate Vice-President of...