Rwanda: Ex-Agriculture Minister Mukeshimana Appointed International Fund of Agricultural Development Vice President

Gerardine Mukeshimana Appointed Vice-President of IFAD

Gerardine Mukeshimana, former Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Rwanda, has been appointed as the Vice-President of the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD). This appointment was announced by IFAD President Alvaro Lario on July 31.

Background

1. Mukeshimana served as the Minister for Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda from July 24, 2014, until March of this year (2023).
2. During her tenure, the agricultural sector in Rwanda became one of the best performing on the continent.
3. She focused on improving the livelihoods of farmers and engaging with rural youth.
4. Mukeshimana also attracted private sector interest in agri-business in Rwanda and pioneered the use of climate funds for the agricultural sector.

Qualifications and Experience

• Mukeshimana holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Horticulture from the University of Rwanda.
• She also has a Master’s Degree and a doctorate in Plant breeding and Genetics – Crop and Soil Sciences from Michigan State University (USA).
• She has extensive knowledge and networks in the agricultural development domain, including with other multilateral development banks and climate funds.
• Mukeshimana gained strong technical experience from her work and research at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Michigan State University.

About IFAD

IFAD is an international financial institution and specialised United Nations agency based in Rome, Italy. It is the UN’s food and agriculture hub.

• Since 1978, IFAD has provided $23.2 billion in grants and low-interest loans.
• It has 177 Member States composed of developing, middle, and high-income countries from all regions of the world.
• IFAD’s mission is to eradicate poverty in rural areas by addressing poverty and hunger in developing countries.
• The fund funds and sponsors initiatives to improve land and water management, develop rural infrastructure, educate farmers in more efficient technologies, build resilience against climate change, and enhance market accessibility, among others.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women.
• Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property.
• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.1.1: Proportion of the population living below the international poverty line.
• Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
• Indicator 5.a.1: (a) Proportion of agricultural households headed by women, by type of tenure; and (b) Proportion of women who own land.
• Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment, by sex.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: allafrica.com

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