The Italian Cooperative movement, coherent with its thematic guidelines on Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Security, applies a highly integrated approach toward these fields of action, and encourages synergies with other sectors of development such as education, environmental management, governance, infrastructures, health, etc. There is no question that agriculture plays a central role for the attainment of food security and for the coherent transformation of the entire rural context considering that, in addition to being a direct source of nutrition, it is the main source of income for rural populations, and a factor of strong social cohesion and valorization of regions. The role of small and medium farmers is supported, in a view of increasing the sustainable intensification of agricultural practices. To obtain increased production, greater quality and healthier dietary habits, particular attention is devoted to applied research and technical training.
In this sector, Italian cooperation has carried out development programs of significant technical value. The projects “Agricultural Supply Chains of Oromia” (Ethiopia), “Cafés and Coffee” (Guatemala), “Program for development of agriculture and irrigation of Sigor in the Kerio Valley” (Kenya) and “Project in support of educating girls and empowering women for inclusive local development” (Senegal) are a few example which rose to the attention of the international community also during Expo2015.
Office VI makes proposals, identifies, formulates, manages and monitors programs for integrated rural development (agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing and agro-silvo-pastoral systems) to ensure food security. It participates in national and international studies on these subjects.
The activities are focused on two particular areas:
- Rural development and food security – initiatives for the development of agriculture and the rural territory, through support to education and to the communities interested in the management and valorization of their natural resources (water, soil, climate, biodiversity). The programs foster strategies of environmental and economic resilience, recognizing the key role of the private sector and of civil society, and placing strong emphasis on the economic integration of small farmers, and aspects leading to the empowerment of women, young people and minorities.
- Nutrition and Food Safety – qualitative improvement of food production and education for correct and healthy nutrition, with particular attention to new information and technologies, and to the improvement of farming practices, eating habits and market demands.
Human Development
The concept of human development, as it is currently being elaborated, based on the work of the economist Mahbub ul Haq, proposes to overcome the perception of development seen as mere economic growth. It is a much more complex paradigm, rather, in which development is achieved through the creation of an environment favorable to full deployment of the potential of every individual.
Starting from the assumption that economic growth alone does not guarantee development, fostering human development means attributing value to the richness of human life and adopting a multi-dimensional approach to improve the lives of the people so that the essential needs of all are satisfied, expanding their opportunities and possible choices.
Human development is mainly concerned with the possibility of enabling people to choose to live the life they desire; this is both a goal and a tool for development in the broadest sense.
In the definition of the U.N. Development Program, human development is a process which amplifies human possibilities, enabling individuals to enjoy a long and healthy life, to receive an education and to have access to a level of income capable of guaranteeing a dignified standard of living”.
It is a definition that is echoed in the commitments undertaken with the U.N.’s 2030 Agenda:
“We envision a world free from poverty, hunger and disease, where every life can prosper. We envision a world free from fear and violence; a world of universal literacy; a world with equal and universal access to an education of quality at all levels, to healthcare and social protection, where physical, mental and social wellbeing is ensured […] confirming our commitment to the right to clean drinking water and safe hygienic services, and where there is better hygiene, where food is sufficient, safe, accessible and nutritious”.
It is clear that the sphere of human development is, on the one hand, multifaceted and rich in specific sub-sectors and, on the other, profoundly connected across the board to all the other dimensions of development.
