IFAD and Philippines Launch VISTA Project to Boost Rural Livelihoods and Sustainability

VISTA seeks to reduce poverty, enhance food security, and safeguard ecosystems by improving value chains, promoting sustainable land use, and strengthening climate resilience.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Republic of the Philippines have launched a new initiative, the Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities project (VISTA), aimed at supporting rural development in vulnerable upland areas. The launch event took place at the Department of Finance in Manila last week.

VISTA seeks to reduce poverty, enhance food security, and safeguard ecosystems by improving value chains, promoting sustainable land use, and strengthening climate resilience. Over six years, the project will assist 350,000 small-scale farmers, focusing on women, youth, and indigenous populations in Soccsksargen, Mindanao, and the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon.

In a video address, IFAD Vice-President Geraldine Mukeshimana praised the collaboration with the Philippines government, expressing optimism for the positive impacts on rural communities. “The work we begin today will transform lives and communities. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of our joint efforts,” she said.

Secretary Conrado Estrella of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) highlighted VISTA’s potential to foster economic stability and peace in the regions it targets, with DAR as the project's main implementing partner.

The project comes at a time when the Philippines, a middle-income country, faces challenges such as post-pandemic economic downturns and the negative effects of climate change on its agricultural sector. VISTA will tackle these issues by working with upland farming communities, helping them adapt to climate change, and fostering sustainable practices that conserve natural resources.

The initiative will also enhance small-scale farmers' productivity by improving farming techniques and access to post-harvest facilities. Furthermore, VISTA will strengthen value chains through climate-resilient infrastructure and promote sustainable commercialization of selected crops.

The project has a total cost of €104.35 million, with IFAD contributing €78.62 million. The launch was attended by UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales, government officials including Secretary Ralph Recto of the Department of Finance, and representatives from IFAD led by Country Director Umit Mansiz.

Since 1977, IFAD has partnered with the Philippines in implementing 16 projects, reaching 1.8 million households, or approximately 9 million people.