Rural development | Political Economy

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Globally, European Development faces integrated challenges, including poverty, food insecurity and lack of economic opportunities, inadequate infrastructure and climate change. These challenges are worse than the structure of social and cultural issues such as migration, gender inequality and weak governance. To deal with these issues requires an integrated approach that considers local context and empowering communities.

According to UN data, about 80 % of the poorest people in the world live in rural areas, many people earn less than 1 2.15 daily. Half the villagers have health care is not suitable and the use of the Internet is still less than 50 % in urban areas compared to 83 %. Climate change, poor roads and limited education also make rural life difficult.

Rural women make 43 % of agricultural workforce but lack equal access to land, technology and credit. Solving these issues is the key to fair and lasting development. The shortage of natural resources such as forest harvesting and soil harvesting, and water can affect agricultural productivity, livestock and livelihood. Small holder farms supply more than half of the agricultural production.

In view of the state’s affairs, the UN General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution on September 6, 2024, which the proposed Bangladesh declared July 6 to declare the global rural development day. The purpose of this day is to highlight the importance of rural development and its cooperation in achieving global sustainable development goals. This 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 witnessing that day theme rural empowerment – global impact. Global Rural Development Day is a reminder of the rural parts of the rural areas in global development, and constant efforts are needed to empower rural communities and ensure a sustainable future for them.

Rural development has an important role to play in the UN’s sustainable development goals, especially poverty (SDG1), achieve zero hunger (SDG2), ensure clean water and cleaning (SDG6) and ensure sustainable communities (SDG 11). The United Nations encourages members, organizations and individuals to observe the activities of the day that promote sustainable rural development.

This day encourages governments, civil society and global institutions to participate in this observation through local projects, awareness campaigns and policy debates. It calls for the construction of roads, schools and health care facilities, access to digital technologies, environmental sustainable farming methods, supporting small farmers’ cooperative and the development of local markets.

In Pakistan, 67 % of the population lives in rural areas. Agriculture contributes to 25 % of the GDP and 44 % of the worker hires force. An important part of the rural population, especially in the land -sticks, faces poverty. In rural areas, essential services such as drinking water, cleaning, education and health care are lacking proper access. Drought, deforestation and soil erosion are environmental challenges affecting rural livelihoods. Distribution of unequal land is aided by rural poverty. A large percentage of homes has no land. Pakistan is suffering from natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which influence the rural communities irrelevant. To deal with these issues requires an involvement of economic, environmental and social strategies.

Successful rural development requires active involvement of local communities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders. Rural change, including production capacity, infrastructure and access to markets, can significantly affect rural income and reduction in poverty.

Improving rural infrastructure, including roads, electricity and communication networks, is essential for development. Investing in education and health care services in rural areas is very important for human capital development. Rural development requires a change towards diverse economic activities beyond agriculture. Strengthening governance and institutional capacity at the local level is very important for the effective steps of rural development. It also requires mutual cooperation between government agencies, private sector, civil society organizations and local communities.

Pakistan is primarily an agricultural country. Agriculture is the largest sector in the economy, which contributed 21 % of GDP and provided 70 % of the total export price. There are currently 17 million people employed in the sector. Rural areas are the main source of agricultural production and livestock products.

Farm workers represent 44 % of the country’s labor strength. About 67 67 % of the population is in rural areas. Agriculture and small -scale rural businesses, which directly or indirectly rely on agriculture, are the largest sources of livelihood.

Several rural development programs have been implemented in Pakistan to improve the socio -economic conditions of rural communities. These programs often focus on poverty alleviation, agriculture development and improvement in infrastructure. Key programs include Aga Khan Rural Support Program, National Rural Support Program, Pakistan Poverty Elimination Fund and Rural Support Program Network.

The effects of climate change, especially in rural areas, are highly sensitive, which often depends on agriculture and natural resources. Rural development efforts are linked to sustainable development goals, especially those that are related to poverty reduction, health, education and environmental stability.

Successful rural development requires active involvement of local communities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders. Rural change, including production capacity, infrastructure and access to markets, can significantly affect rural income and reduction in poverty. Agriculture also has the ability to solve the problem of unemployment as it has more employment flexibility than the industry. A dynamic sector of agriculture can ensure the welfare of the population living in about 48 48,363 rural villages.

Rural development remains the main focus of the country’s overall development. About 30 % of the population in these areas is less than the poverty line. By observing the day of global rural development, the purpose of Pakistan is not only to recognize the important role of the rural communities but also to confirm its dedication for their comprehensive development and welfare. Many villagers lack access to credit and banking services, which can help them invest in small businesses, buy agricultural inputs or improve their livelihood.

In 2025, Pakistan joins the global community to observe this day, the government has emphasized its commitment to improve the lives of rural citizens and promote comprehensive development. The government’s efforts are in line with sustainable development goals, especially those who are focused on poverty, food security and sustainable agriculture.

The author is a playwright and an independent journalist. They can be arrived at Pashajaved1@gmail.com and its blogging site: Solandland.com.