At the launch of the AgriConnect Guinea Pact today, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) expressed its commitment to collaborate with the Government of Guinea, the World Bank Group, and other partners to support this effort, bringing its experience in investing in small-scale producers and building resilient, market-oriented food systems.
This ambitious initiative is designed to transform agri-food systems and strengthen food security across Guinea. AgriConnect Guinea is based on a comprehensive approach to transform agriculture into a key driver of food security, job creation and economic growth.
“Through the AgriFARM project, IFAD is well placed to contribute to all AgriConnect programmes, promoting inclusive and sustainable rural transformation,” said Ann Turinayo, IFAD Country Director for Guinea.
AgriConnect partners will be working together in line with the Programme Simandou 2040 to prioritise investments in value chains such as rice, poultry, and fonio, while also promoting complementary sectors including maize, soybeans, mangoes, and other high-value crops.
Guinea’s economic growth in recent years has been driven by the mining and agriculture (crops, livestock, aquaculture, fishing, forestry, and logging) sectors. Despite economic progress, however, roughly half of Guineans still live below the international poverty line and struggle to meet basic needs.
By 2030, the AgriConnect Guinea Pact aims to significantly improve food and nutrition security and create hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs across agricultural and agri-food value chains – particularly for young people and women. In addition, it will reduce dependence on imports of staple foods – especially rice and poultry products – and enhance export potential for products such as fonio and mangoes.
IFAD has been active in Guinea since 1980, investing US$270.94 million in 15 projects and programmes with a total cost of US$615.49 million, directly benefiting 651,450 rural households. IFAD-supported operations have helped increase incomes, improve food security, and enhance the living conditions of rural communities participating in the Fund’s programmes and projects.
