UN labour agency calls for major investment in rural Africa as key to prosperity | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

Rural development is key to Africa’s prosperity, yet it has been undervalued by Governments, international lenders and policy advisers, the UN International Labour Organization (ILO) said in a paper released today, calling for increased investment in the field.

“Boosting agriculture and building around it a strong rural economy is crucial for Africa. Done right, it would create millions of much needed jobs, as well as wealth, inclusion, food security, crisis resilience, and social and political peace,” ILO Deputy Director-General for Field Operations and Partnerships, Gilbert Houngbo wrote in a commentary.

He also said investment can empower communities through integrated approaches. This should start with basic physical and social infrastructures such as roads, energy, education and health facilities. Investments should also target relevant skills development and entrepreneurship support.

Promoting rural areas also means combining agriculture with industrial and service activities to stimulate synergies and diversification, and to seize new opportunities in information and communication technology (ICT), tourism, bio-technologies, environmental protection and renewable energy generation, for instance.

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SOURCE: UN News Centre