Public–Private Cooperation for Secure and Inclusive Rural Economies

Abstract

How do public–private collaborations enable secure and inclusive rural economies? Alongside private sector investment, government provision of infrastructure, research and extension services and support for farmer organisations remains crucial. In addition, public sector support for more effective, transparent, shared and clearly understood governance models between companies and farmers is key. Significantly, inclusive public–private approaches will need to take rural transformations into account, as well as shifting employment, value addition and business ownership closer to production areas. In regions emerging from conflict, these approaches need to quickly and effectively provide better opportunities for excluded communities and territories, reducing the attractiveness of illicit economies.