Toward the Targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Since Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, when SARD Chapter 14 of Agenda 21 first outlined programmes and actions to enhance food security in a sustainable way, the concept of SARD has evolved to include social, institutional, and economic sustainability, as well as environmental sustainability. This means that sustainable agriculture and rural development, including forestry and fisheries, must meet the nutritional requirements and other human needs of present and future generations, provide durable and decent employment, maintain and, where possible, enhance the productive and regenerative capacity of the natural resource base, reduce vulnerability and strengthen self-reliance.
Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD) serves as an important entry point toward achieving the MDGs and the targets outlined within those goals. SARD readily addresses those goals related to eradicating extreme hunger and poverty (Goal #1) and ensuring environmental sustainability (Goal #7), and because it addresses social and cultural dimensions, SARD also contributes to Goals and Targets related to education, health, diseases and gender equality.
UN Millennium Development Goals
- Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Achieve universal primary education
- Promote gender equality and empower women
- Reduce child mortality
- Improve maternal health
- Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- Ensure environmental sustainability
- Develop a global partnership for development
