1979 World Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development: The Peasant Charter

The World Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development led to adoption of the Peasant Charter in 1981 (FAO). The charter outlined a number of priorities that were aimed at creating conducive conditions for rural populations to engage in food and agricultural production beyond subsistence. It also emphasized access to natural resources, markets and employment in the agricultural sector and increased participation of women in agriculture. More importantly the Peasant Charter emphasized a rights-based approach to improving the livelihoods of rural peoples.