Agriculture plays a key role ...

Agriculture plays a key role in sustainable development and economic growth. Investing in agriculture has proven to be an effective tool for alleviating poverty and enhancing food security. According to the World Bank, investing in agriculture is twice as effective in reducing poverty and contributing to GDP growth as compared to any other sector because of the multiplier effect. In addition, in emerging economies almost 70 % of the labor force is employed by the agricultural sector. Although in the past, investment in the sector has been limited, in recent years investing in sustainable agriculture has greatly increased. This increase in activity has been spurred by increased agricultural and food prices, coupled with population growth and increases in consumption patterns. Both the public and private sector understand the importance of these trends. From a business perspective, the investment returns in the sector make business sense in terms of risk versus reward. From a public sector perspective, investing in the sector ensures both food and water security and, therefore, the national security of a nation. Therefore, investing in sustainable agriculture is an important tool for development and growth.