How farmers’ field schools transform the lives of farmers in Zanzibar
Teaching poor farmers better ways to produce poultry and vegetables helps them increase their incomes and improve their families’ living conditions. Through farmers’ field schools, small-scale producers learn new methods and share useful experiences, joining in groups to make the most of their agricultural potential. Two IFAD-funded programmes support more than 200 farmers’ field schools in Zanzibar, working to empower small-scale farmers to overcome poverty.
Over centuries, the Zanzibar Archipelago, also known as the Spice Islands, has been an important trading centre, where many types of commodities such as ivory and gold, mainly from the Tanzanian mainland, were traded on the flourishing local market and also found their way to foreign markets. 
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President's corner

IPS interviews Mr Nwanze, IFAD President: "Boosting agriculture is not an option but an imperative", 5 May 2009

Statement by IFAD President to the 79th session of the Development Committee, 26 April 2009

Interview with President Kanayo Nwanze during G8 Agriculture Ministers' Summit, 20 April 2009

Statement by IFAD President on declaration by G8 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, 20 April 2009

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Financing facility for remittances: Call for proposals 2009
The IFAD-based multi-donor Financing Facility for Remittances (FFR) aims to reduce rural poverty, promote development. The Facility's  main objective is to increase economic opportunities for the rural poor through the support and development of international and domestic remittance services that are innovative, cost-effective and easily accessible, for countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Caribbean, and the Near East.
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Liquid gold helps Eritrean farmers defy the looming threat of drought
Bee-keeping is an alternative source of income for rural families, especially in times of drought, when food security is at risk. Luul, an Eritrean farmer, has learned how to keep bees and avoid their sting, and now he is content with his livelihood of producing honey, or liquid gold. IFAD funded operations in Eritrea encourage farmers to diversify their income-generating activities — producing honey, dairy products or livestock to sell — and provide the financing, training and support they need.
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