Workshop on Policies for Engaging Persons with Disabilities in Agriculture

In 2019, the UN reported that 80% of 1 billion PWDs worldwide lived in developing countries. Roughly 650 million were in the Asia-Pacific region, with the majority in rural areas and primarily dependent on agriculture for food and livelihood security.

A major cause of disability in rural areas is malnutrition caused by extreme poverty and food insecurity (IFAD, 2020). In addition, more farmers are being disabled by accidents due to mechanization and commercialization in the agriculture sector. Violence and armed conflict are other major causes of disability among rural dwellers. Rural residents with disabilities must confront major barriers to achieve food security and sustainable livelihoods.

It is essential to empower farmers with disabilities, including women, and make them economically self-reliant by developing the skills to become independent, small-scale entrepreneurs. This workshop will examine policies for engaging PWDs in agriculture and increase inclusive productivity levels in APO member economies.

For more details please click on PN.