Rural 21 - The International Journal for Rural Development

For nearly 60 years, #Rural21 has delivered key insights on #Ruraldevelopment across the Global South. Now, we’re shifting focus to bring you even more content online! 📲 Help us make this transition even better by taking our quick survey. Your feedback drives the conversation!! 💬 ✍️English:- https://ow.ly/LkKK50TLyPT 📝French:- https://ow.ly/qrOy50TLyPU Photo: Shutterstock

The Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers aims to serve as an aggregator, bringing together disparate #initiatives, coalitions, networks and partnerships to empower farmers, villages and rural communities. There are currently more than 90 global or regional initiatives, networks and partnerships, creating a clear need for coherence, alignment and sharing of lessons learned to deliver greater impact. #Climatechange #Ruraldevelopment #Foodsecurity 👉https://ow.ly/hLIW50UoV87

The current extreme weather conditions have significantly impacted food harvests throughout Zimbabwe. A considerable number of impoverished families dependent on subsistence #agriculture are now unable to provide adequate #nutrition for their children and are forced to rely on external assistance. As the #drought, exacerbated by El Niño, worsens, thousands of children in Zimbabwe face the threat of malnutrition. 👉https://ow.ly/iWT550UnsUX © EU/ECHO/ Bertha Wangari

This study elucidates the impact of overhunting on animal populations and forest ecosystems, proposing clear indicators for communities to collect in order to monitor and manage wildlife #sustainably. Medium- to large-bodied mammals are integral to tropical #ecosystems, serving as herbivores, seed dispersers, and predators. Unfortunately, these species are often the primary targets of hunting, resulting in significant alterations within wildlife communities. Recent international research indicates that overhunting leads to predictable shifts, with larger, slow-breeding animals being the first to diminish, while smaller, more resilient species such as rodents tend to become more prevalent. #Biodiverstiy #Ruraldevelpment #Foodsecurity 👉https://ow.ly/JSHi50UjO7v

This initiative, led by farmers in Kenya’s dairy sector, aims to foster socially inclusive #innovations. It underscores the importance of participatory #research that actively includes marginalized groups, such as women and #youth, in co-creating solutions to address their specific challenges. By engaging farmers directly in the decision-making process, the initiative promotes equitable access to resources, technologies, and markets. Furthermore, the project enhances gender inclusivity, community #resilience, and sustainable development. It serves as a compelling example of how empowering local farmers can catalyze systemic improvements in #agriculture. 👉https://ow.ly/8nSY50UeLaF

The pivotal role of agri-food systems in the context of #climatechange adaptation and mitigation is underscored in a recent FAO analysis, which indicates that 94% of nations prioritize agri-food systems within their climate strategies (NDCs). The analysis identifies key risks such as #foodinsecurity and #biodiversity loss. However, it notes significant gaps in mitigation efforts, particularly concerning #livestock and pre/post-production emissions. The study emphasizes the necessity for increased investment, which currently stands at merely one-sixth of the required level, alongside equitable solutions to safeguard marginalized communities and fulfill global climate objectives. 💡https://ow.ly/LpxQ50UgAPX

The effects of climate change, the overexploitation of water resources, the unequal distribution of water, the loss of ecosystem services, and related health risks are increasingly leading to water emergencies. In extreme cases, situations arise that are beyond the limits of controllability. They can lead to the destabilization of political, societal, and ecological systems. Climate change mitigation, the protection of ecosystems, and climate-resilient, socially balanced water management are the most important measures for preventing water emergencies. #Ruraldevelopment #ClimateResilience #WaterSecurity #SustainableDevelopment 💡https://ow.ly/eRm150UbIjp Photo: © EC/ECHO/Nicolas Le Guen

Pesticides—herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides—are often touted as essential for #foodsecurity; however, they pose significant risks to our environment and health. These chemicals disrupt ecosystems, harm beneficial organisms, and contribute to pesticide resistance and soil degradation. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) stands out as a highly effective and sustainable alternative, emphasizing minimal pesticide use while promoting practices like crop rotation, successfully adopted in Sweden. Despite the proven benefits of IPM, many farmers, particularly in Europe, continue to rely on pesticides for convenience and cost, highlighting an urgent need for robust policies that champion sustainable farming practices. #SoilHealth #Agroecology #SustainableAgriculture 💡https://ow.ly/qgP050UbG3Z

Students at Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) are making significant advancements in artificial intelligence by developing innovative, AI-powered solutions that address pressing issues in healthcare, #agriculture, and other sectors. Their efforts to enhance #foodsecurity and improve medical diagnostics demonstrate how technology can facilitate progress across various fields, ultimately benefiting communities and improving lives. This work underscores Africa's evolving technological potential and the remarkable talent contributing to #ruraldevelopment. 👉https://ow.ly/7LEc50U4iNn Photo: © UNDP/iHub/Flickr.

Rural tourism is a powerful force for transforming remote communities. It not only provides travelers with an authentic cultural experience but also serves as a vital catalyst for sustainable development, #povertyalleviation, and #empowerment in underserved regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By promoting responsible travel and conservation, #ruraltourism plays a crucial role in sustainable development. When tourists are captivated by the natural beauty of rural landscapes, it compels communities to protect these invaluable resources, effectively combating #deforestation, #pollution, and other detrimental practices. 👉https://ow.ly/fSvv50U1c3n