Switzerland is a founder member of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). As of 2012, the Fund has 168 Member States. IFAD is a specialized United Nations Agency that was established as an international financial institution in 1977.

It is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. 75 % of the world's poorest people - 1.4 billion women, children and men - live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods. Working with poor rural people, governments, donors, NGOs and many other partners, IFAD focuses on country-specific solutions, which can involve increasing poor rural peoples' access to financial services, markets, technology, land and other natural resources.

Operations (loans and grants) are financed by replenishing the Fund every three years. Swiss contribution to the 8th replenishment (2010 to 2012) is CHF 21.3 mio (USD 20.1 mio).