It helps reduce the threat of crisis and create the conditions for economic growth, the expansion of democracy and social justice and a protected environment. The keys to broad-based growth and reduced poverty are expanded human capacity through education and training, a policy environment that promotes efficiency and economic opportunity for all members of society, soundly organized and managed institutions and good governance. The majority of people in the poorest countries derive their livelihoods from agriculture. Therefore, in most of the least developed countries, the transformation of agriculture and food systems is an essential aspect of broad-based economic growth. The shift from subsistence agriculture to producing for off farm markets and consumers contributes to a more prosperous rural environment, additional opportunities for employment and economic progress throughout the economy and reduced food insecurity.
Women play a central role in broad based economic growth and agricultural development.
In addition to their direct contribution to agricultural production and income generation, women contribute to economic growth indirectly through their household maintenance and child rearing roles. Americans benefit as the economies of transitional and developing nations become more open and market-oriented and expand. This also helps reduce widespread and extreme poverty and lack of economic opportunity, which contribute to political instability and exacerbate global and transnational problems, such as rapid population growth, the spread of infectious and communicable diseases, drug trafficking, and accelerated environmental degradation. Critical private markets expanded and strengthened. More rapid and enhanced agricultural development and food security encouraged.