African and Asian Officials Call for Partnerships to Boost Rural Development

A four-day conference began on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, with agriculture ministers, diplomats, and experts from Africa and Asia convening to promote partnerships aimed at accelerating rural development.

The 79th session of the Executive Committee of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) focuses on strategies to advance biosciences, environmental protection, and the integration of technology into rural agriculture.

In his opening address, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agricultural and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, stated that effective practices from Africa and Asia have significantly strengthened national development efforts.

Kagwe noted that various challenges facing rural communities across Africa and Asia, including food insecurity, climate change, unemployment, poor healthcare services, and the digital divide, have created a cycle of hardship affecting millions of people.

“Fortunately, behind these challenges lie great opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and shared growth,” Kagwe told the delegates.

Kagwe added that the development of agribusiness, value addition, and market connectivity can transform the agricultural sector into a powerful engine for economic growth and food security.

“AARDO has provided a dynamic platform for Africa and Asia to engage in meaningful dialogue on shared challenges, while exchanging knowledge, ideas, and experiences in agriculture and rural transformation through joint efforts to improve the quality of life for rural communities,” said Rohit Kansal, secretary in India’s Department of Rural Development.

Kansal called for the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) for rural development, particularly in building smarter farming systems, enhancing market connectivity, and optimising advisory services and public delivery.