Rural Development and Agriculture

In many developing countries, food security and rural development are ongoing challenges. Most poor people in the world live in rural regions. Based on years of experience and comprehensive know-how, GIZ offers regionally adapted strategies to secure the right to food and make rural development a driver for economic takeoff.

Rural development

Agricultural Policy and Rural Development

Living conditions in the rural regions of developing countries are often very poor. Poverty and hunger are widespread, basic services are not guaranteed, schools and hospitals are frequently inaccessible, and the rural population is often excluded from political co-determination. Rural development and a strong agricultural sector reduce poverty and form the basis for sustainable economic development at all levels.

Agricultural Trade and Standards

More and more consumers worldwide are paying attention to social and ecological standards and to the health safety of products. For agricultural producers in developing countries, this actually positive trend can become a hurdle. They too must meet the required standards in order to participate in international trade. Not only individual producers are affected, but also all rural regions, which live mainly from the marketing of their agricultural products.

Agriculture

Agriculture is key to successfully achieving the goals and aspirations enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Agriculture is also critical to the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of smallholder farmers and rural communities worldwide.

Biological Diversity

Biological diversity is the totality of life on earth. It is also - and especially - about people. Diversity can arise, be preserved or lost through human influence. Biological diversity is currently dwindling at an unprecedented rate worldwide. This loss endangers the livelihoods of all human beings and impairs the economic and cultural development opportunities of present and future generations.

Food and Nutrition Security

Food and nutrition security is one of the greatest global challenges. To ensure food and nutrition security for the world's growing population and effectively combat all forms of malnutrition, the GIZ combines measures from different sectors and addresses all dimensions of food and nutrition security: availability, access, use, recovery and stability.

Global Health

Challenges in health protection are increasing worldwide. The steady rise in international commercial and passenger transport brings with it not only economic opportunities, but also the threat of the cross-border spread of health risks. GIZ supports the establishment of robust health systems to prevent the uncontrolled spread of health risks.

Green Economy

Economic growth and a fair distribution of wealth are the prerequisites for poverty reduction and sustainable development. However, if growth and development are bought at too high a cost in terms of consumption and emissions, future generations will suffer the consequences. “Green” growth requires new economic structures. GIZ advises its partner countries on the changeover.

Inclusion of People with Disabilities

Strengthening the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities is also the responsibility of development cooperation. The inclusion of persons with disabilities is a task for society as a whole. It promotes social cohesion by standing up to discrimination and disadvantage. Equal rights for persons with disabilities also help to reduce poverty by ensuring that this group is not excluded from development.

Inclusive Finance

In many developing countries, poor people have no access to financial services. Financial inclusion aims to change this. It means that households and microenterprises receive access to microloans and financial services from formal providers on fair and transparent terms. This includes savings schemes, payment systems and insurance.

Land Governance

The existence of many people depends directly on the land on which they live and farm. But land is a limited resource and demand is rising. Land conflicts arise because it is usually not clearly regulated who owns the land and who may use it. Reliable access to land is a basis for rural development. GIZ therefore supports the strengthening of property, ownership and land use rights in the partner countries.

Natural Resources

Today, about three quarters of the world's poor live in countries whose economies are dominated by commodities. This is despite the fact that natural resource deposits have the potential to drive a country's development, reduce financial dependence on external donors and increase the prosperity of the population. In many countries, however, they have an opposite effect: state structures are weakened, the environment is destroyed, and social conflicts are created or exacerbated.

Regional and Sectoral Economic Development

This topic encompasses the spatial (regional/local) as well as the industry (sectoral) focused approach to economic development. Regional and sectoral approaches can also be combined to achieve greater effectiveness.

Rural Agricultural and SME Finance

A large proportion of the poor in GIZ’s partner countries live in rural regions, where it is still difficult for individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to use financial services. Factors such as low population density, long distances and weather risks all play a role in this. Furthermore, financial service providers often lack the knowledge and approaches needed to finance SMEs, especially those in agricultural production.

Urbanization

Most people around the world now live in towns and cities. GIZ sees rapid global urbanisation as an opportunity to help shape dignified and environmentally sound lifestyles.  It promotes regional development to create equality of opportunity and tap into regional potential.

Water

Water is indispensable for our lives. It is the basis for food, a transport route, a source of energy, ecosystems, and an economic and cultural asset. The goal of global and sustainable water security is therefore set in the 2030 Agenda (SDG 6): "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all."

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