Minister for Agriculture and Animal Affairs, Dr Maryam Mariya, has emphasised the need to increase the involvement of women and youth in agriculture and fisheries. She made this statement while addressing the 48th Governing Council meeting of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

During the meeting, Minister Dr Mariya highlighted key challenges faced by the agriculture sector and explored potential solutions for sustainable development. She noted the crucial role small island nations play in global agriculture and maritime systems and urged the international community to unite in tackling the impacts of climate change.

The minister also stressed the connection between food security and youth education, emphasising the importance of teaching children about healthy eating habits as part of broader health protection policies for island nations. She reiterated that increasing the participation of women and youth in agriculture and fisheries is vital for sustainable development, a point strongly supported by studies on the subject.

At the IFAD meeting, all participants agreed on the urgency of ensuring agricultural sustainability, managing marine resources effectively, and strengthening food security. The event, held in Rome, Italy, from 12 to 13 February, brought together ministers, state representatives, and agricultural experts from various countries to share experiences and discuss pressing global issues in the sector.