UN earmarks US$34.6M for rural projects that target women, youth

Santo Domingo.- The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), will provide US$34.6 million to government-financed initiatives and projects with rural organizations for inclusive development , especially in the youth and women sectors.

Agriculture minister, Osmar Benítez, made the announcement after returning Friday night from Rome, where he accompanied president Danilo Medina, who took part in the IFAD council’s annual meeting.

“As a result of this trip, the President has also discussed an agreement with the World Food Program that will contemplate a 10 million dollar project, with matching funds from the Dominican government,” the official said.

Moreover, Benitez said Medina has obtained more technical assistance from the FAO Food Program. “Next month we will be receiving the Vice President of IFAD and the Director for Latin America to discuss a project of 12.8 million dollars.”