Five ways to promote inclusion in rural areas
The path to employment or self-employment remains a challenge for people with disabilities. Although one in six people in the world have a disability, only a third of them are employed. A large proportion of this marginalised section lives in rural areas and does not have access to the opportunities that are available in urban rooms. Agriculture offers potential to provide the rural population with a stable livelihood and a secure income.
Accessible advice and training sessions
Knowledge is the key to the transformation of agricultural and food systems. However, farmers with disabilities are often denied access to training and advice - due to a lack of accessible infrastructure, inaccessible communication formats or financial barriers. Yet knowledge and dialogue are essential in order to establish sustainable and productive farming methods. One way to achieve inclusive agriculture across the board is through physical access to learning centres, for example through ramps, tactile paths and direct links to communities. In addition, customised training materials, local advisory services and financial support mechanisms strengthen equal access to training opportunities.
Financial participation for all
Smallholder farmers need loans, insurance and savings opportunities to secure and modernise their farms. But for many farmers with disabilities, appropriate financial models are out of reach, which has a significant impact on their ability to move beyond subsistence farming. Flexible credit models, accessible financial service providers and digital banking applications can address these challenges. Community-based savings groups, collective financial education and partnerships with organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) can further promote access to credit. At the state level, targeted subsidies help to establish a financial system that leaves no one behind.
Mechanisation and digitalisation without exclusion
Modern agricultural technology increases productivity and sustainability, especially since new technologies such as AI and smart farming have ushered in the digital revolution. However, modern technology is often inaccessible for farmers with disabilities. Tractors, harvesters and irrigation systems need to be adaptable. Apps, online marketplaces and digital training programmes must also be accessible. Financial incentives for inclusive mechanisation are just as necessary as political incentives for manufacturers to make their products accessible. In addition, the expansion of a nationwide 5G network and guaranteed access to real-time information and networks are essential. The most efficient method for research and development is to involve people with disabilities directly in the research process. In this way, mechanisation can become a driver for more inclusion.
Strong communities through cooperatives
Stigmatisation and discrimination against people with disabilities in rural communities in many developing countries leads to their exclusion from the community and local structures such as agricultural cooperatives and producer groups. Structural changes in these organisations can reduce these barriers. They must be made more accountable to represent the interests of people with disabilities in the agricultural sector locally and nationally and to make them equal members through educational work within the workforce. Raising awareness of stigma among the wider population can help to overcome stereotypes through methods of changing social behaviour.
Open markets and agribusiness for all
Without market access, agricultural production remains unprofitable. A flair for entrepreneurship is therefore a great advantage for the competitiveness of smallholder farmers. For many farmers and entrepreneurs with disabilities, however, it is difficult to sell their products - the hurdles are too high to obtain capital, knowledge or market opportunities. A lack of transport options, inaccessible market infrastructure and a lack of networks make the path more difficult. Inclusive value chains and a barrier-free public procurement policy can help. Support programmes for business start-ups, accessible training opportunities and microloans are also essential. At the same time, local solutions are needed: collaborative sales structures, digital trading platforms and inclusive distribution networks. Upstream and downstream departments such as seed production, processing and logistics offer a wide range of opportunities for inclusive business models.
