At this event, the government official underscored the importance of promoting rural development through investments aimed at strengthening productivity, expanding access to markets, and creating new opportunities in the South American country's rural areas.
During his virtual address from Lima at the meeting being held in Rome, the Cabinet member highlighted the strong potential of rural areas to contribute to food security, income generation, and territorial stability.
"Peru, as part of the cooperation promoted by IFAD, considers rural development essential and strategic for helping close inequality gaps and fostering productivity in the most vulnerable areas," he indicated.
The minister stressed the importance of the State supporting the rural sector not only through irrigation projects, but also through initiatives that connect rural production with markets so local communities can advance in their development and reduce poverty levels.
In that regard, the high-ranking official stated that strengthening markets is a key component for expanding opportunities for small-scale producers and increasing the impact of rural development across territories.
"Market strengthening must allow small producers to participate under better conditions, with greater access to services, financing, information, and productive infrastructure. For countries with diverse rural realities, such as Peru, this approach can help close territorial gaps and strengthen value chains with greater local impact," Acuña explained.
In this regard, the Cabinet member said generating opportunities for rural youth and women is essential for boosting local economies, strengthening capacities, and reducing structural vulnerabilities.
The IFAD is an international financial institution dedicated exclusively to rural transformation.
Through these efforts, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) reaffirmed its commitment to continue boosting investments and partnerships that strengthen rural productivity, expand economic opportunities, and help close gaps in the country's most vulnerable areas.
Data
- Since 1983, IFAD has financed 11 loans in Peru totaling US$189.76 million for rural development projects in different areas of the country.
- One of them is the Avanza Rural program, which reached 101 districts and benefited 20,178 families.