The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development covers 17 goals, the second of which is “zero hunger”, namely: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. 

Under this major goal, there are eight targets, the sixth of which is “ Increase investment, including through enhanced international cooperation, in rural infrastructure, agricultural research and extension services, technology development and plant and livestock gene banks in order to enhance agricultural productive capacity in developing countries, in particular least developed countries”.

● Current Situation

Photo source: sina.com

The starting point for a world without poverty and hunger, is the rural world. An estimated 3 billion people – around 40% of the global population – live in the rural areas of developing countries. Rural development is the starting point for a world of zero hunger, which is central to ending hunger and poverty and crucial to meeting the new SDGs. 

About the World

COVID-19 Pandemic Seriously Affects Rural Households 

Photo source: cctv.com

The COVID-19 pandemic may push rural families even deeper into poverty, hunger and desperation, which is a real threat to global prosperity and stability. An economic downturn in rural areas could compound these effects, generating more hunger and increasing instability, especially in rural areas.

With their movements restricted to contain further spread of the virus, many small-scale farmers are unable to access markets to sell products or to buy inputs, such as seeds or fertilizer. Closures of major transport routes and export bans are also likely to affect food systems adversely. The return of workers from cities affected by lockdowns will put further strain on rural households.

Text source: IFDA website

About China

Guidance on Social Capital Investment in Agriculture and Rural Areas

Photo source: cnwest.com

On April 15, 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued the Guidance on Social Capital Investment in Agriculture and Rural Areas, which is the first national guiding document for the social capital investing in agriculture and rural areas. 

Social capital is an important factor to promote the implementation of rural revitalization strategy. As the most active element in the national economy, social capital accounts for more than 80% of the investment in fixed asset in the primary industry. It can introduce modern production factors such as talents, technology and management into the rural areas. It helps to accelerate the establishment of industry, production and management systems for modern agriculture.

Text source: www.gov.cn

●  Cases

About the World

IFAD Committed US$40 Million Supporting Rural Areas

Photo source: news.cn

With the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown threatening the lives and livelihoods of the world’s most vulnerable people, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) committed US$40 million on April 20, 2020 in Rome, and launched an urgent appeal for additional funds, to support farmers and rural communities to continue growing and selling food.

Since 1978, IFAD have provided US$22.4 billion in grants and low-interest loans to projects that have reached an estimated 512 million people. It helps people from rural areas to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience.

Text source: IFAD website 

About China

Shenzhen Helps Rural Development with Technology

Photo source: sohu.com

As an international high-tech and innovation centre, Shenzhen helps rural areas' development with technology. Actively developing e-commerce in rural areas is the "model work" of Shenzhen's high-tech poverty alleviation. The e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba’s "Rural Taobao", Tencent’s "WeCounty" and China Mobile’s "LingNan Life" have been introduced to Heyuan City by Shenzhen, which help villagers to start their own business and provide channels for expanding local agricultural product sales.

Tencent's "WeCounty" is an open e-platform with mobile internet. As of September 2019, the "WeCounty" platform has covered 14228 villages (communities) in 29 provinces, with more than 2.5 million certified villagers. It is convenient for farmers to sell well-known local agricultural products and tourism resources, and even attract investment for local agriculture.

Text source: Shenzhen Economic Daily 

●  Background

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Initiated by the United Nations

On January 1, 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including 169 targets, of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit — officially came into force. Countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind.