Why is rural development so important?

What is rural development?

In rural areas, which are often sparsely populated and relatively isolated, rural development aims to improve the quality of life and economy for residents. The development of rural areas has traditionally focused on the exploitation of land-intensive natural resources such as agriculture and forestry. As global production networks have evolved and urbanization has increased, rural areas have changed. The tourism industry is increasingly taking over resource extraction and agriculture as the dominant economic force. The need for rural communities to see development from a broader perspective has led to a greater focus on a wide range of development goals, rather than just encouraging agricultural or resource-based enterprises. Four elements must be in place for rural areas to develop: education, entrepreneurship, physical infrastructure, and social infrastructure. Rural development is also characterized by the importance it gives to local economic strategies. Unlike urban areas, which have many similarities, rural areas are very distinct from each other. Rural development is therefore approached differently around the world. There are many definitions of "rural development.” It refers to initiatives designed to improve the economic well-being of rural areas.

Rural development in Pakistan

The expansion of the rural economy is one of the most crucial elements in the expansion of the Pakistani economy. A substantial portion of Pakistan's economy is centered on agriculture. In Pakistan, the agricultural sector contributes roughly 5% of our GDP. The Pakistani government has designed several rural development initiatives to promote the expansion of agriculture. For the development of the rural sector in Pakistan, the Ministry of Rural Development is the supreme body responsible for formulating policies, regulations, and acts. Rural businesses and economies are dominated by agriculture, handicrafts, fishing, poultry, and dairy products.

Concerning emphasis, techniques, strategies, and programs, rural development in Pakistan has seen some changes over time. These innovations have given rural development fresh knowledge and viewpoint. Only with the participation of rural development customers can rural development be made richer and more significant. Just as implementation is the touchstone of planning, rural development relies on people's involvement. People's participation is one of the most fundamental prerequisites for a successful development process, both methodologically and philosophically. Different rural communities must be included in the plans by those responsible for development planning and administration, to make the plans participatory.

Statistics Pakistan 202X

About 3/4 of the total population of the country now lives in the rural areas (75%) of Pakistan. Data from the Census Bureau show that 68.84% of people reside in rural areas. These areas have always lagged far behind the nation's economic growth. Rural areas often remain dependent on agriculture as a source of income. More than two-thirds of Pakistan's population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, agriculture's development will contribute to the improvement of rural areas and people. Rural areas are where the great majority of the destitute reside. As a result, people are unable to get basic needs like food, healthcare, clean water, etc. Access to public services like health care, education, and others is intrinsically more challenging for rural residents than it is for urban residents. In addition to human rights violations, gender inequality, poor working conditions, and violations of indigenous land rights, rural residents are more likely to face human rights violations. Rural injustices in Pakistan are a contributing factor to the growth of agricultural discontent, polarization, and unrest. Rural areas are home to nearly half of Pakistan's population, with four out of five people living below the poverty line.

The majority of Pakistan's rural areas are characterized by acute poverty. Rural populations also typically have less access to important services like healthcare, education, and other necessities. In addition to agricultural production and distribution, human rights violations are often found in the production and distribution of agricultural products, such as coffee, tea, bananas, and palm oil. Many of these products were found to be sold in supply chains characterized by gender inequality, poor working conditions, and violations of indigenous land rights. The inclusion of rural populations and the improvement of their well-being must become a priority, otherwise sustainable development cannot take place. In the current model of rural development, the protection of the health of the planet is insufficient. Rural communities frequently experience issues with the depletion, deterioration, and contamination of water and land resources. The continued loss of forests and wilderness is further exacerbating climate change, and increasing the outbreak of zoonotic diseases, including COVID-19. Due to climate change, agriculture and rural economies are further adversely affected, creating a vicious circle.

Importance of rural development

Pakistan's rural economy is an integral part of the economy as a whole. Rural development aims to improve the quality of life of rural populations by reducing poverty by offering self-employment, and wage employment schemes, providing clean water, electricity, road connectivity, health, housing, and educational facilities to rural residents, strengthening Panchayati raj institutions, and strengthening community infrastructure. The role of rural development is important not only for the majority of the population living in rural areas but also for the overall economic development of a country. In the process of development of the country, the process of rural development becomes more and more important than it was in the past. This approach aims to achieve increased productivity, greater socio-economic equality and ambition, and stability in social and economic development. The main objective is to reduce the widespread famine which rages in approximately 70% of rural areas and to provide everyone with abundant and healthy food. In addition, the secondary responsibility is to ensure access to clothing and footwear, a clean environment and home, medical care, recreational facilities, education, and communication.

How can we deal with the rural crisis?

In recent years, rural development has taken on global importance, especially among developing countries. For a country like Pakistan where the majority of the population, 65% of the population, lives in rural areas, such a report is of particular importance. In light of these statistics, the Pledge Foundation has agreed to participate and help in the overall development of rural areas.

Our rural development objectives are:

• Improve rural productivity and wages.
• Improve the availability of jobs in rural areas.
• Improve rural productivity and wages.
• Raise the living standards of those who are less fortunate.
• Basic needs: elementary education, health care, drinking water, rural roads, etc.

Our current rural development strategy in Pakistan focuses primarily on poverty alleviation, better livelihood opportunities, and the provision of basic amenities and infrastructure through innovative wage and self-employment schemes.