Kenya pushes for stronger Africa-Asia partnerships in rural development

Kenya has called for deeper cooperation between African and Asian countries to accelerate rural transformation, food security and technology transfer amid growing global economic and climate challenges.

Speaking during the opening of the 79th Executive Committee Meeting of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) in Nairobi, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said member countries must strengthen partnerships in agriculture, healthcare, industrialization and digital transformation to uplift rural communities.

“Collaboration with AARDO member countries can play a transformative role in facilitating the transfer of appropriate, affordable, and scalable technologies suited to rural contexts,” said Kagwe in speech read on his behalf by Agriculture Secretary Pater Owoko

“By leveraging the collective expertise and technological advancements of AARDO member countries, we can build resilient economies, empower rural communities, and ensure shared prosperity across Africa and Asia,” he added.

Kagwe noted that Kenya offers a strategic gateway for investment and technology transfer into East and Central Africa, citing opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, ICT, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure development.

He also praised India’s growing partnership with Kenya in areas including agriculture, energy, healthcare and digital technology.

AARDO Secretary General Manoj Nardeosingh warned that Africa and Asia continue to face rising food insecurity, climate change, high input costs and economic pressures that are affecting rural livelihoods.

“We have to ensure that no rural community in Africa and Asia is left behind. We have to act with urgency, foresightedness and solidarity to create resilient, inclusive and empowered rural societies” Nardeosingh said.

He noted that many Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Union Agenda 2063 targets remain off track, adding that AARDO has intensified efforts in human resource development, technology transfer and regional partnerships to support governments in tackling rural development challenges.

India’s Secretary for Rural Development and President of the AARDO Executive Committee Rohit Kansal announced that India has committed an additional 750,000 US dollars for AARDO human resource development programmes between 2025 and 2027.

“This enhanced support reflects India’s continued commitment to empowering member countries through targeted capacity building efforts,” Kansal said.

“The additional contribution shall be utilized primarily to support training programs, workshops, seminars, scholarships and study visits” he said.

Kansal added that artificial intelligence and digital innovation present new opportunities for smarter agriculture, improved market connectivity and efficient delivery of public services in rural areas.

“We live in a world of great opportunities but also a world of great challenges. We need to evolve our programmes in order to make ourselves responsive to the challenges confronting our member countries.” he said

The Nairobi meeting has brought together delegates, diplomats and government officials from Africa and Asia to deliberate on strategies for sustainable rural development, food security and stronger South-South cooperation.