In this paper, IFAD rethinks its approach in line with and building on lessons learned from field experience in poverty reduction, national governments’ priorities and its own expertise in smallholder agriculture and rural development. This approach draws on the priorities identified during the preparatory meetings for the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (Samoa, September 2014), desk research and extensive in-house consultation. IFAD’s approach in SIDS is in line with the commitment of the broader United Nations system to advancing the sustainable development agenda of SIDS, including by defining SIDS-relevant Sustainable Development Goals.