In this regard, the move by bilateral and multilateral creditors in debt relief is encouraging. When these resources are directed to development Hunger will be eliminated and poverty reduced. We commend the initiative and we are looking forward to its immediate implementation. Madam Chairperson, Coming back to the focus on the IFAD's mandate, we are delighted to see a strategic thrust based on issues of regional significance to be in the right direction. Appreciation given to the degradation of the environment in Eastern Africa is timely.
Deforestation is rapid and desertification is a very serious problem.
Our land is fragile and not suited for agricultural production unless its fertility is gained. It is in this light that we pledge our support to the Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Ethiopia believes the mechanism need the necessary resources at its disposal to effectively operate. IFAD's role in the identification of appropriate policy and institutional constraints is certainly helpful. However, more is desired in the support to small-scale irrigation given the precarious nature of rainfed agriculture in the country and its attendant unstinting famine. Ethiopia needs financial and technical assistance from international financial institutions, including World Bank and IFAD to harness, harvest and utilize its abundant water resources to combat drought and famine, food security and rural development are our development priorities.