Invest in Rural Economies for a Stable World: Breaking the Cycle of Hunger, Poverty, and Conflict

War drives hunger, and hunger drives war, but what if the opposite is true? Investing in food security can be a precursor to peace. One billion people live in fragile situations, where the combination of violence, weak governance, and natural disasters makes crises inevitable. Investing in rural economies can break this cycle. Fragility increases poverty and hunger, entrenching conflict and creating a doom loop. But investing in rural communities can support decent food and jobs, reducing the likelihood of conflict and forced migration. We've seen proof of this in Ethiopia and Mali, where improved land productivity and economic opportunities reduced local conflicts. The Pact for the Future recognizes the link between economic opportunities and social stability. World leaders must work together to deliver on this pact, investing in rural areas to promote food security and stability.

Climate change drives increasing emergencies, making it crucial to act now. There are three priority areas for investment: Agricultural growth is twice as effective in reducing poverty as growth in other sectors. Yet support for agricultural development has been stagnant at 5-6% of total official development assistance. Small-scale food producers need to be resilient to climate change. Solutions exist to help them adapt, including drought-resistant seeds, artificial intelligence, and agroforestry. Investing in micro, small and medium-sized agri-food entrepreneurs and businesses can improve the quantity and diversity of food produced. Nothing less than a sweeping range of investments in rural economies will end hunger and poverty. Building healthy rural economies can provide decent jobs and food for all, the best weapon against conflict and forced migration, and the foundation for a stable world.

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