Agricultural productivity is the cornerstone to poverty reduction and economic stability for many countries. IRG has worked extensively to promote sustainable agricultural practices, ensure sound environmental management, develop viable global trade opportunities, and institute efficient processes to encourage agribusiness opportunities around the world. Working with host country governments to shape agricultural policy— from inputs on property rights, land use planning, and natural products, to decentralized natural resource management, increased competitiveness and economic development—IRG helps to increase the chances for more equitable distribution of benefits and ensure their sustainability.

Capabilities:

• Field-based Capacity Building to Foster Sustainable Production and Enterprise
• Strategic Planning
• Policy Analysis
• Training and Knowledge Management in Agricultural Value Chains
• Agricultural Sustainability through Sound Resource and Environmental Management

Select projects include:

Developing Market Chains and Increasing Competitive Enterprise
IRG is working in Senegal to develop and market non-traditional agricultural products and non-timber forest products. To date, IRG guidance has helped increase revenues and volumes of products for over 3,200 enterprises in a range of market chains. Training for 1,400 producer groups is underway that will enable them to form competitive enterprises with possibilities for national and even export market potential. Some 275 joint ventures with newly trained entrepreneurs and primary market buyers are in the planning stages. Senegal: Agriculture and Natural Resource Management Program

Improving Agricultural Practices to Ensure a Cleaner Environment
IRG provided assistance to the Romanian Ministry of Water and Environmental Protection in preparing for the implementation of the European Union Nitrates Directive. IRG designed the protocol for monitoring nitrates and phosphates in surface and ground water and developed the process for elaborating local action programs in Nitrate Vulnerable Areas. This process was tested in cooperation with Calarasi Judet environmental and agricultural units and involved the simulation of nutrient best practices in managing livestock wastes and fertilizer applications. Romania: Agricultural Pollution Reduction Activity

Stimulating Economic Growth and Agricultural Productivity
Erosion limiting Haiti’s agricultural production and economic possibilities required technical assistance from IRG to mitigate the factors causing degradation. Activities included community-based tree planting, productive infrastructure protection, a natural resource management fund and an environmental and conservation awareness campaign. Haiti: Agriculturally Sustainable Systems and Environmental Transformation