Sustainable rural livelihoods

For the large numbers of people resident in the developing world, their basic needs in terms of both development and conservation are immediate and local; survival in the short term is their primary concern and for this they depend largely on the resources of the surrounding area. For approximately 65 per cent of the people living in the developing world, these needs are also rurally based (UNDP, 1993). Although levels of urbanisation in the developing world are predicted to increase, it is also certain that the absolute numbers resident in rural areas are rising and will continue to do so under projected population increases. Providing sustainable rural livelihoods, not just for the present population but for many billions more, is therefore an urgent endeavour, as these populations will have to be supported by what is often a very fragile and difficult environment.