how agriculture contribute to rural development

1. Also, agriculture can be relied upon for poverty reduction in less developed countries because
agriculture improves the livelihoods of people in rural areas. Agriculture is the basis of the
livelihood of most rural families. Rural development is a process integrated with economic and
social objectives, which must seek to transform rural society and provide a better and more secure
livelihood for rural people. In rural areas throughout the world, agriculture represents the
predominant land use and a major component of the viability of rural areas. Farming and related
activities make up the basic fabric of rural life, contributing significantly to the overall state of
rural regions in terms of employment and business opportunities, infrastructure and quality of the
environment. Gustafson (2018) notes that, “Agriculture plays a crucial role in the concerned
economies. It accounts for more than 25 percent of GDP, as well as for over 40 percent of
employment in many countries involved in this initiative”. The development of agriculture holds
the key rural poverty reduction. Many people in rural areas rely on agriculture as source of income.
Developing countries are moving from being largely rural and agrarian to becoming urban and
industrial. Agriculture in facilitates the process of urbanization through construction of bridges,
roads, electricity and small industries. This process through agriculture gradually develops the
underdeveloped nations. Thus from this, one is made to say that agriculture can be relied upon for
poverty reduction in less developed countries.
Gustafson, D.J. (2018) Investment in Agriculture: The Key to Poverty
Reduction at http://www.fao.org/china/news/detail-events/en/c/
1115321/ (accessed 19/0419)