Course No: AEE-402
Course Title : Rural Development
through Agricultural Development.
Why is Rural Development Important?
There are many reasons why we should care about rural
development:
• Food Security: Rural areas are where most of our
food comes from. According to the FAO, supporting
farmers helps make sure everyone has enough to eat
(FAO, 2023).
• Economic Growth: When rural areas do well, the
whole country benefits. They provide resources and
opportunities that boost the economy. (IFAD, 2022).
• Preserving Local Culture and Character: Rural
areas often have unique traditions, landscapes, and a
sense of community that are worth preserving. Smith
(2018)
• Better Living Standards for Everyone
Rural development improves the quality of life in villages and
remote areas. When new schools, hospitals, clean water,
and safe houses are built, everyone enjoys a healthier and
happier life. Children get a better education, adults receive
proper healthcare, and families have secure homes. This
overall improvement makes rural communities much better
places to live.
• Environmental Sustainability:
Rural areas play a vital role in protecting our natural
resources, like forests, water, and wildlife.
• More Job Opportunities:
One of the most important benefits of rural development is
the creation of new jobs. When infrastructure is improved
and businesses are encouraged to set up in rural areas,
residents find work in agriculture, manufacturing, services,
and tourism. This means fewer people have to leave their
villages in search of jobs in big cities, which helps keep the
community stable and vibrant.
• Enhanced Agricultural Productivity:
Is often the main activity in rural areas. Rural development
provides farmers with better tools, modern equipment, and
access to new farming methods. This helps increase the
amount and quality of food produced. When farmers earn
more from better crops, the entire community benefits, and
food security improves, which is essential for a healthy
society.
key issues in rural development
Development of infrastructure:
• There is a lack of infrastructure in rural areas.
• Infrastructure development like electricity, irrigation,
credit, marketing, transport facilities, etc., needs to be
addressed.
Reduction of poverty:
• The World Bank’s estimate of 25.3% uses Pakistan’s
national poverty line, which differs from international
benchmarks. For example, under the lower-middle-
income poverty line ($3.65/day), Pakistan’s poverty rate
was projected at 40.5% for 2024 (world bank, 2023).
• The reduction of poverty is important because rural areas
have the maximum poverty.
Development of health facilities:
• Rural areas lack proper health facilities.
• Better health facilities are necessary for physical growth
of individuals.
Development of productive resources:
• Productive resources of each locality need to be
developed to enhance employment opportunities.
• It will help in diversification of production activities with a
view of finding an alternative means other than crop
cultivation to sustain life.
Development of human resources:
• There is a need to improve the quality of human
resources in rural areas. It can be done by improving the
literacy rate (especially female literacy), skill
development, industrial training, etc.
Thank you
