Achieving Economic Development in Developing

Countries via Sustainable Agricultural Investment

The majority of emerging nations rely heavily on agriculture to support their economies and to
employ a sizable section of their population. Despite this, these nations' agriculture is still in a
state of neglect, with farmers lacking access to the modern technologies and inputs they need to
increase yields. Low productivity and subsistence wages as a result of this have caused poverty
and food insecurity.
For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers, who cultivate an average of two
hectares of land, make up the bulk of those living below the poverty line. Low yields, erratic
revenue, and food insecurity result from their lack of access to modern farming technologies,
high-quality seeds, and fertilizers. The World Bank asserts that Africa's agricultural sector has
the potential to help millions of people escape poverty and promote economic progress, but only
if both public and private investment is made in sustainable agriculture.
The practice of growing food in a way that respects the environment, encourages social
responsibility, and maintains economic viability is known as sustainable agriculture. Using tools
and methods that preserve natural resources, reduce the use of harmful inputs, and safeguard
biodiversity are all part of this process. The goal of sustainable agriculture is to improve
smallholder farmers' quality of life by boosting their output and income while safeguarding the
environment for future generations.
The key to reducing poverty in developing nations is investing in sustainable agriculture. Here
are a few causes for this:
First, sustainable agriculture can boost smallholder farmers' production and revenue. Farmers
may boost their yields and produce more food when they have access to modern inputs like high-
quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems. As a result, their communities experience less
food insecurity and their revenue is increased.
Second, sustainable agriculture can help farmers become more climate change resistant. Farmers
need to adopt sustainable techniques that can help them adapt to the changing climate since
climate change makes natural disasters like floods and droughts worse. Farmers can adapt to
shifting weather patterns by, for instance, growing drought-resistant crops, utilizing conservation
agriculture methods, and diversifying their crop mix.
Third, environmentally sound agriculture can help to preserve the environment. Slash-and-burn
agriculture and monoculture are examples of unsustainable farming methods that can result in
soil degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Contrarily, sustainable agriculture
encourages the use of organic fertilizers, lessens the use of pesticides, and promotes agroforestry,
all of which can assist conserve natural resources and safeguard the environment.
Fourth, funding sustainable agriculture can promote job growth and economic expansion. The
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) estimates that every dollar invested in
agriculture can lead to economic development of up to $2.5. Also, the value chain jobs of
processing, packing, and transportation may be created through sustainable agriculture, which
will help the economy grow even more.
To fully fulfil sustainable agriculture's promise for eradicating poverty and fostering economic
development, governments and the private sector must invest in it. They can do it in the
following ways:
Governments might first give agriculture a higher priority on their development agenda and
devote more resources to it. This entails funding the construction of rural roads, irrigation
systems, and storage facilities as well as giving smallholder farmers loans and subsidies.
The business sector can also contribute to sustainable agriculture by working with smallholder
farmers and giving them access to cutting-edge tools and inputs. Businesses can make
investments in the value chain to support job creation and economic expansion.
Finally, by offering financial and technical help to governments and farmers, international
organizations and donors may promote sustainable agriculture. This may entail funding studies
on sustainable agricultural methods, encouraging knowledge exchange, and arguing for
legislative changes that favor sustainable agriculture.

Governments around the globe have tried to put policies into place to advance agriculture. The
examples below are just a handful.
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) is a crop insurance programme in India that
offers farmers financial support in the event that their crops are harmed by natural disasters or
adverse weather. The Farm Bill, a comprehensive piece of law supporting agricultural and rural
development in the United States, includes initiatives for crop insurance, conservation, trade, and
research. Moreover, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union (EU)
supports farmers financially and encourages the use of sustainable agricultural methods. With the
goal of reducing soil erosion and enhancing the environment, China's Grain-for-Green Program
encourages farmers to turn their farms into grassland or woodland. Lastly, the National
Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Programme, implemented by the Kenyan government,
aims to increase small farmers' access to markets, financing, and technology.
In conclusion, reducing poverty in developing nations requires a focus on sustainable agriculture
by enhancing productivity, boosting climate change resistance, protecting the environment, and
promoting economic prosperity.