INTRODUCTION
• IFAD’s focus is on rural poverty reduction (IFAD’s strategic
framework and regional strategies).
• Indigenous peoples number some 300 million in 70
countries; majority are poor and marginalized.
• Majority live in marginal areas, often in conflict zones, but
with considerable potential.
• Indigenous peoples are stewards of biodiversity and
traditional knowledge of natural resource management.
• They seek to benefit from development interventions, while
safeguarding their cultures, values and institutions.
IFAD’s Experience
Securing indigenous peoples’ rights
• Supporting the recovery and strengthening of their
traditional land rights
• Providing legal defence funds to help indigenous
peoples pay the costs of legal action
• Raising awareness of constitutional rights through
training, studies and information campaigns
IFAD’s Experience
Revitalizing traditional knowledge systems
• Blending traditional knowledge with modern technology and
developing new value-added products
• Strengthening traditional medicinal knowledge and practice
Conflict prevention and peace building
• Achieving reconciliation at community level by promoting
grass-roots organizations to undertake development actions
• Promoting multi-stakeholder participation and involving
women as peace brokers
Lessons Learned
• Local development funds managed directly by
indigenous communities  ownership, skills
• Strengthening existing indigenous peoples’
organizations  enhanced participation, negotiation
• Sensitivity to local culture and promotion of
bilingual and multicultural education  stronger
indigenous identity and self-esteem
• Grant financing for innovative activities
Changing Context
Increasing political support
• Recognition of indigenous peoples at international level
• Policies and programmes by international organizations and
OECD countries
Greater understanding of their aspirations
• Recognition and respect of indigenous peoples’ rights
• Respect of indigenous culture and knowledge systems
• Rights to meaningful participation
• Autonomy of action
Opportunities and Challenges
• Potential for production of niche products
• Increased opportunity due to opening up of markets
• Potential to compensate indigenous peoples for environmental
services
• Constraints due to inadequate infrastructure including markets
• Globalization  intensification  narrow specialization 
environmental implications
• Trade-related issue
The Way Forward
Broad-based partnership with all stakeholders
Based on past experience, replicate and scale up innovative
projects in the following three areas:
• Strengthening or recovering indigenous peoples’ rights to their
ancestral lands and related resources
• Supporting preparation and implementation of land management
plans incorporating indigenous knowledge systems
• Developing mechanisms for compensating indigenous peoples for
environmental services they provide to the world
Issues for Discussion
• Are the three areas suggested by IFAD relevant for the
support of indigenous peoples?
• How, with whom and for what purpose should a broadbased partnership be established to further the cause of
indigenous peoples?
• What are some other innovative approaches/interventions to
support them and how can IFAD and others play a role?