ural development globally faces interconnected challenges, including poverty, food insecurity and lack of economic opportunities, inadequate infrastructure and the impacts of climate change. These challenges are worsened by socio-cultural issues like migration, gender inequality and weak governance structures. Addressing these issues requires an integrated approach that considers local contexts and empowers communities.

According to UN data, around 80 per cent of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas, many earning less than $2.15 per day. Half of rural residents don’t have proper healthcare and internet use is still below 50 percent compared to 83 per cent in urban areas. Climate change, poor roads and limited education also make rural life harder.

Rural women make up 43 per cent of the agricultural workforce but lack equal access to land, technology and credit. Solving these problems is key to building fair and lasting development. Including deforestation and soil erosion, and shortage of natural resources like water can impact agricultural productivity, livestock and livelihoods. Smallholder farms supply over half of the agricultural output.

Keeping the state of affairs in view, the United Nations General Assembly on September 6, 2024, unanimously passed a resolution, proposed by Bangladesh, to declare July 6 as World Rural Development Day. This day aims to highlight the importance of rural development and its contribution to achieving global Sustainable Development Goals. The Day encourages global efforts to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. This is the first year, we are observing the day with the theme Rural Empowerment - Global Impact. The World Rural Development Day is a reminder of the vital role rural areas play in global development and the need for continued efforts to empower rural communities and ensure a sustainable future for them.

Rural development has a critical role in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ending poverty (SDG 1), achieving zero hunger (SDG 2), ensuring clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and developing sustainable communities (SDG 11). The UN encourages member states, organisations and individuals to observe the day with activities that promote sustainable rural development.

The day encourages governments, civil society and global institutions to take part in this observance through local projects, awareness campaigns and policy discussions. It calls for a focus on building roads, schools and healthcare facilities, expanding access to digital technologies, environmentally sustainable farming practices, supporting small farmers’ cooperatives and developing local markets.

In Pakistan, 67 per cent of the population lives in rural areas. Agriculture contributes 25 per cent to the GDP and employs 44 per cent of the labour force. A significant portion of the rural population, particularly those in land-scarce areas, faces poverty. Rural areas often lack adequate access to essential services like potable water, sanitation, education and healthcare. Droughts, deforestation and soil erosion are major environmental challenges impacting rural livelihoods. Unequal land distribution contributes to rural poverty. A large percentage of households own no land. Pakistan is prone to natural disasters like floods and droughts, disproportionately affecting rural communities. Addressing these issues require an incorporation approach of economic, ecological and social strategies.

Successful rural development requires the active involvement of local communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Rural transformation, including improvements in productivity, infrastructure and access to markets, can significantly impact rural incomes and poverty reduction. 

Improving rural infrastructure, including roads, electricity and communication networks, is essential for development. Investing in education and healthcare services in rural areas is crucial for human capital development. Rural development requires a shift towards diversified economic activities beyond agriculture. Strengthening governance and institutional capacity at the local level is vital for effective rural development initiatives. This also requires collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, civil society organisations and local communities.

Pakistan is basically an agricultural country. Agriculture is the largest sector in the economy, contributing 21 percent of the GDP and providing 70 per cent of the total value of exports. The sector currently employs 17 million people. Rural areas are the primary source of agricultural production and livestock products.

Farm workers represent 44 percent of the country’s labour force. About 67 percent of the population resides in rural areas. Agriculture and small-scale rural enterprises, which directly or indirectly depend on agriculture, are the major sources of their livelihoods.

Several rural development programmes have been implemented in Pakistan with the aim of improving the socio-economic conditions of rural communities. These programmes often focus on poverty alleviation, agriculture development and infrastructure improvement. Key programmes include the Aga Khan Rural Support Program, the National Rural Support Programme, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund and the Rural Support Programmes Network.

Pakistan is highly susceptible to climate change impacts, particularly in rural areas, which are often dependent on agriculture and natural resources. Rural development efforts are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, health, education and environmental sustainability.

Successful rural development requires active involvement of local communities, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Rural transformation, including improvements in productivity, infrastructure and access to markets, can significantly impact rural incomes and poverty reduction. Agriculture also has the potential for addressing the unemployment issue as it has higher employment elasticity than industry. A vibrant agriculture sector can ensure the wellbeing of the population living in approximately 48,363 rural villages.

Rural development remains the core of the overall development of the country. Around 30 per cent of the population is below the poverty line in these areas. By observing World Rural Development Day, Pakistan aims to not only acknowledge the vital role of rural communities but also to reaffirm its dedication to their comprehensive development and well-being. Many rural residents lack access to credit and banking services, which could help them invest in small businesses, purchase agricultural inputs or improve their livelihoods.

In 2025, Pakistan joins the global community in observing this day, with the government emphasising its commitment to improving the lives of rural citizens and promoting inclusive growth. The government’s efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals particularly those focused on poverty reduction, food security and sustainable agriculture, need to be the core of attention.

The writer is a playwright and a freelance journalist. He can be reached at pashajaved1@gmail.com and his blogging site: soulandland.com.