Smallholder farmers and rural people can play a critical role in achieving the post-2015 development agenda, says a concept note from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) prepared for the 38th session of its Governing Council.
The concept note outlines how targeting rural areas and reducing rural-urban inequalities can help to achieve sustainable development and eradicate poverty and hunger.
An article on the website of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) gives a summary of the key elements of the concept note, titled ‘Rural transformation: Key to sustainable development', including:
- How economic diversification, innovations in production, modern technology and expanded access to modern supply chains are key features of rural transformation
- The need to address unequal power relations, social exclusion and access to a range of productive assets as part of strategies to address persistent poverty
- Entry points for scaling up best practices and increasing sustainability, such as: public goods that increase connectivity between rural and urban areas; inclusive and fair tenure systems; youth engagement in productive activities; and access to inclusive social protection systems, quality education and health systems, and risk management mechanisms
- The need to target women's empowerment and strengthen traditional governance institutions.
Read the full story: IFAD Note Highlights Role of Rural Transformation in Achieving Post-2015 Agenda
Download the IFAD concept note: Rural transformation: Key to sustainable development
