The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the only international treaty specifically focused on preventing discrimination against women and explicitly dealing with rural women and their rights (Art. 14). On 18 December 1979, the Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. It entered into force as an international treaty on 3 September 1981 after the twentieth country had ratified it.

The objective of this Convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas.

This report takes a fresh look at the important contribution of agriculture to pro-poor growth. After two decades of decline, investments in agriculture are now on the rise. This major reversal in national policies, as well as donor programmes, reflects an increased awareness of the vital contribution of agriculture to pro-poor growth and the stark reality that 75% of the world’s poor live in rural areas. This policy guidance for donors identifies a new agriculture agenda for enabling pro-poor growth.