GEYC Rural Pact initiative: knowledge sharing, sustainable practices, and market linkages

• Providing training and resources: The organization will offer training programs and workshops to NGOs/businesses in rural areas, focusing on sustainable management techniques, efficient resource management, and organic farming practices. We will also provide access to resources such as digital tools, educational courses, and equipment to story-tell their missions for sustainable entrepreneurship.
• Promoting market linkages: The organization will work towards establishing market linkages between rural farmers/producers and consumers, including local markets, restaurants, and retailers. This would help farmers and producers gain fair and direct access to markets, ensuring a sustainable income for their produce.
• Encouraging agroforestry and biodiversity conservation: The organization may advocate for the adoption of agroforestry practices, which involve integrating trees and crops on farmland to enhance biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation. This also supports the conservation of native plant species and wildlife habitats in rural areas.
• Supporting rural entrepreneurship: The organization will offer support and guidance to rural entrepreneurs interested in starting sustainable businesses. This may include providing financial guidance to alternative funding, business training, and mentorship to help them establish successful ventures that contribute to the local economy.
• Advocating for policy changes: The organization may engage in advocacy efforts at the regional, national, and international levels to promote policies that support sustainable agriculture in rural areas. They collaborate with governments, policymakers, and other stakeholders to shape regulations and funding initiatives that prioritize rural development and sustainable farming practices.
• Facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration: The organization will facilitate knowledge exchange platforms, networks, and partnerships among rural communities, researchers, and experts. This involves organizing conferences, seminars, and field visits to promote the sharing of best practices, innovation, and research findings related to sustainable development in rural areas.

• Citizen
• Non-governmental / civil society organisation
• Private Business

• Rural development strategy
• Capacity Building

• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment of rural communities to identify specific challenges, opportunities, and priorities related to sustainable development.
• Develop a program framework and strategy based on the assessment findings, including objectives, target areas, and key activities.

Milestone 2: Training and capacity building

• Design and deliver training programs on sustainable development practices, resource management, and organic farming/crafting techniques for rural farmers/producers.

Milestone 3: Market linkages and value chain development

• Establish partnerships with local markets, restaurants, and retailers to create direct market linkages for rural farmers and producers.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve market access, product quality, packaging, and branding to enhance the competitiveness of rural agricultural products.

Milestone 4: Agroforestry and biodiversity conservation

• Promote and support the establishment of agroforestry systems in collaboration with farmers, providing guidance on suitable tree-crop combinations and management practices.
• Implement measures to protect and conserve biodiversity within agricultural landscapes, such as preserving native plant species, creating wildlife habitats, and promoting integrated pest management approaches.

Milestone 5: Rural entrepreneurship support

• Identify and support rural entrepreneurs interested in sustainable agricultural businesses, providing them with financial assistance, business training, and mentorship.
• Monitor and evaluate the success and sustainability of supported enterprises, tracking key indicators such as income generation, job creation, and community impact.

Milestone 6: Policy advocacy and influence

• Engage in advocacy efforts to promote policy changes that support sustainable agriculture and rural development, collaborating with relevant stakeholders and policymakers.
• Monitor policy developments and milestones, such as the adoption of supportive regulations, allocation of funding for sustainable agriculture initiatives, and integration of sustainable practices into agricultural policies and programs.

Milestone 7: Knowledge sharing and collaboration

• Facilitate knowledge exchange platforms, networks, and partnerships among farmers, researchers, and experts, organizing conferences, seminars, and field visits.
• Measure the impact of knowledge-sharing initiatives, such as the adoption of new practices, innovations, and increased awareness among rural communities.

It's important to note that these milestones are just examples and should be adapted and customized to the specific goals, resources, and timeline of the organization or NGO involved in the Rural Pact initiatives.