Key investments in rural areas, agriculture, agribusiness and rural off-farm activities have a significant potential for increasing economic growth, reducing rural poverty, improving the utilization of natural resources, and alleviating the population pressure on urban areas. The objective of the conference is to discuss a broad and multi-sectorial vision for rural development in the region, including a rural agenda of the IDB.
The Conference will be organized around two main panels. The first panel will discuss a vision for the development of the rural economy, including options for rural poverty reduction in the region. The second panel will debate, among other issues, the growing importance of rural off-farm activities and the need to modernize the public sector and its services. There will be a conclusion session following the panels.
International technical and financial agencies related to agriculture and rural development will participate and discuss possibilities for joint collaboration in the region. The Conference Panels will include experts from civil society, private- and public sectors from Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, the United States and Europe. The participation of most Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development from Latin America and the Caribbean is expected, as well as representatives from private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities, producers’ associations and other members of civil society.
As a follow-up, Conference participants will be part of a Rural Field Visit, which will take place on Saturday March 25th from 8:00 am to 6:00 p.m., and will include visits to Louisiana State University, a small farm and an agribusiness firm.
Contact: Maria Jose Ribeiro
MariaJR@iadb.org