In Sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is mostly a smallholder activity. Therefore the private sector has a critical role in enhancing productivity. But in order to do so, an enabling environment needs to be created to allow small farmers - which are the bulk of agriculture producers - to gain better access to markets and value chains.

An integrated approach to development is needed, including improved national and regional policies, improved access to land, water, credit, education, as well as research on seeds and fertilizers. Private sector investments can effectively contribute to increased productivity only if all or most of these elements are in place.

Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in developing countries.

Giving women equal access to agricultural resources and inputs is one of the most powerful ways of reducing poverty and hunger. Large gender gaps exist in access to credit and land tenure, and these are at odds with women’s contributions and potential into agriculture.

In dedicating the upcoming International Women’s Day 2012 to the objective ‘Empower Rural Women – End Hunger and Poverty’, the Secretary General of the United Nations reminds us that according to FAO estimates, if women had the same access to productive resources as men, they could increase yields on their farms by 20–30 percent, lifting 100-150 million people out of hunger. I strongly encourage IFAD to continue to focus on this important dimension in all of its activities.

Mr President,

We cannot have strong action on food security without strong global institutions. The successful results of the IFAD’s Ninth Replenishment which saw a 25% increase on previous figures, is a strong indication of the support that IFAD and its President enjoy.

Italy has done its part. We have decided a 10% increase in the Replenishment of IFAD’s resources despite our severe domestic budget constraints. This is a clear sign of our intention to continue support IFAD’s mandate while fully sharing its strategy.