USA home

Social Development

Cultural Development

Health

Education

Rural Development

Access to Finance

Civil Society

Environment

Impact Investing

Other Countries

Rss

Rural Development

Women farmers in Mali receive training that improve their household income and food security.Approach
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has pioneered a model of participatory rural development that combines a set of common development principles with the flexibility to adapt to specific contexts and needs. Its rural development programs typically link elements of food security, increased agricultural productivity, natural resource management and skills development with community-level participation and decision-making.

The ultimate goal is to make development sustainable by having community members drive their own development.
> Learn more about AKF’s global approach to rural development

Aga Khan Foundation USA’s (AKF USA) rural development portfolio includes programs in agriculture, food security, microfinance and workforce development.  AKF USA partners with U.S. government agencies and private foundations to amplify its impact. For example in Mali, AKF USA works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to teach smallholder farmers improved techniques for growing their crops and accessing markets. When better connected to markets, farmers can receive higher prices for their crops and gain more money for their families.  In Mozambique AKF USA supports the Agricultural Institute of Bilibiza, a technical school that provides agriculture training to youth.
AKF USA currently supports rural development programs in India, Madagascar, Egypt, Afghanistan Mali and Mozambique.

Current Programs Highlighted
Mali – Mopti Coordinated Area Development Program
Mozambique – Agricultural Institute of Bilibiza