AARDO warns weak market linkages threaten rural economies
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 13 – The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) has warned that weak market linkages, limited digital connectivity, and slow rural transformation efforts are threatening the sustainability of rural economies across Africa and Asia.
Speaking during the opening of the 79th Executive Committee Meeting in Nairobi, AARDO Secretary General Manoj Nardeosingh said many developing economies continue to struggle with structural barriers that prevent smallholder farmers and rural enterprises from fully participating in regional and global markets.
“Many of our member countries are still battling mammoth challenges while rural populations continue bearing the brunt of economic and social crises,” Nardeosingh said.
“We are focusing on food systems, digital connectivity, climate resilience, education and job creation to improve the lives of millions of rural residents.”
Delegates attending the Nairobi meeting said stronger market systems, digital agriculture, and investment in agricultural value chains will be critical in addressing rising food insecurity and unemployment in rural areas.
Secretary for Agriculture Peter Owoko said governments must prioritize connecting farmers to markets, financing, and technology to improve productivity and incomes.
“Digital extension services are increasingly connecting farmers to markets, financial services, weather information and advisory support,” Owoko said.
“Increased investment in agribusiness and agro-processing through stronger public-private partnerships has expanded employment opportunities and strengthened agricultural value chains.”
Owoko noted that Kenya has accelerated the adoption of climate-smart farming technologies, irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops, and digital platforms under its agricultural transformation agenda.
According to Owoko,stronger collaboration among AARDO member states could help scale successful rural development models across Africa and Asia, particularly in cooperative development and climate resilience.
The organization also raised concern over slowing progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063, warning that rural communities remain highly vulnerable to economic shocks, climate change, and food supply disruptions.
India, one of AARDO’s founding members, pledged continued financial and technical support to the organization through training, scholarships, and institutional support programs.
India’s Ministry of Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence could help improve agricultural productivity and market efficiency if implemented inclusively.
“In the present era of artificial intelligence, opportunities are emerging for smarter agriculture, improved market connectivity and enhanced advisory services,” Kansal said.
“We need to accelerate innovation, strengthen partnerships and ensure our programs respond to the evolving challenges facing member countries.”
India has committed an additional $750,000 to AARDO’s human resource development programs between 2025 and 2027, alongside $500,000 for the renovation of the organization’s secretariat.
Founded in 1962, African-Asian Rural Development Organization promotes South-South cooperation, technical capacity building, and sustainable rural transformation across Africa and Asia.