On March 5, JICA renewed and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOU) with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized UN financial institution that provides loans for agricultural and rural development in the world’s poorest countries. The signing took place in Rome, Italy, where IFAD is headquartered, between IFAD Assistant Vice President Catherine Maegan and JICA Senior Advisor Osamu Kubota.
The first Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations was signed in 2010, and in this third renewal, the two organizations agreed to strengthen cooperation in various areas and ways to improve agricultural and rural development, food and nutrition conditions in developing countries.
“Food security in Africa and around the world has never been more important. The cooperation agreement between IFAD and JICA, signed at a key time, is expected to bring shared values and positive change to the lives of rural people.” said IFAD’s Catherine Magan, who attended the signing ceremony.
For JICA, IFAD is a key partner in strengthening the resilience of the food and agriculture sector, including the JICA Africa Food Security Initiative, which includes JICA-supported rice promotion, market-oriented agriculture promotion, nutrition improvement, and climate change action around the world, We believe that collaboration with our partners is critical, and from this perspective, the renewal and re-signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with IFAD is very significant.” emphasized Osamu Kubota, JICA’s Senior Advisor.
JICA Senior Advisor Osamu Kubota and IFAD Assistant Vice President Catherine Maegan at the signing ceremony ©IFAD/Flavio Ianniello
Under this new partnership, IFAD and JICA will develop cooperation for food and nutrition security in Africa and around the world.
© Source JICA