Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD):
The Role of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

FAO (1993): Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SARD): The Role of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.

This document outlines a number of strategies to achieve sustainable rural development. Its main focus is the issues and areas of action connected with sustainable rural development that are highlighted in UNCED’s Agenda 21.  The decisions taken at UNCED pose major challenges to governments, international organisations and NGOs. They are analysed here in six chapters. Chapter 1 sets out the main goals for sustainable rural development, emphasising the diversity of approaches that emerge among nations as plans are shaped. Chapter 2 discusses the causes of unsustainability and the basic challenges that must be confronted. Chapter 3 examines the strategic options and different paths to sustainable rural development. Chapter 4 addresses the pre-conditions that are necessary if sustainable development is to become a reality. Chapter 5 expands on the den Bosch Agenda for action and Chapter 14 of Agenda 21, explaining both the macro- and micro-level actions needed to accelerate progress toward sustainable rural development. Chapter 6, the final chapter, discussed the need for international action and summarises some of the ways by which sustainable rural development plans and programmes can be financed.