Tackling rural poverty, together

Extract

This publication takes a fresh look at the important contribution of agriculture to pro-poor growth. After two decades of decline, investments in agriculture are now on the rise. This major reversal in national policies as well as donor programmes reflects an increased awareness of the vital contribution of agriculture to pro-poor growth and the stark reality that 75% of the world’s poor live in rural areas. A positive process of economic transformation and diversification of both livelihoods and national economies is the key to sustained poverty reduction. Evidence shows that it is agricultural growth, through its leverage effects on the rest of the economy that enables poor countries, poor regions and ultimately poor households to take the first steps toward economic transformation. Agriculture has in many places connected broader economic growth and the rural poor, increasing their productivity and incomes.

This policy guidance for donors considers agriculture’s changing landscape and identifies a new agriculture agenda for enabling pro-poor growth. It recognises new challenges – such as HIV/AIDS, natural resource degradation, global competition, demographic change and migration – but also new opportunities through spatial and occupational diversity. And, it identifies the key priorities for action in the new agenda: enhancing sector productivity and market opportunities; promoting diversified livelihoods; and reducing risk and vulnerability. Against this background, donors will need to work effectively with their partners to promote sustainable, country-driven and programme-based development that recognises the important contribution of agriculture to pro-poor growth.