FAO introduces new section of work on Rural Infrastructure

During the 2005 Conference of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) a new section of work was approved on Rural Infrastructure. This reflects the growing recognition of the role of rural infrastructure in the linkage between poverty reduction and economic growth. It also responds to the calls to action from NEPAD, the Commission for Africa, and the G8 summit in Gleneagles. In addition FAO also noted that the World Bank and the regional banks have developed action plans to scale-up infrastructure service delivery for their clients.

To launch new work on rural infrastructure, FAO is organising a technical consultation to share experiences from work on rural infrastructure. This will also help to build the FAO knowledge base, identify the potential role of FAO, and explore potential partnerships for further work. IFRTD has been invited to attend these consultations in recognition of its advocacy efforts to promote social issues in the transport sector.