AIARD mobilizes support for international agriculture and rural development programs by: 

• Increasing awareness of the instrumental role of agriculture in global development
• Informing policy makers, donors and institutions about effective strategies to advance agriculture and rural development in the global economy
• Improving relationships between agriculture and rural development efforts to promote a sustainable global society (e.g., natural resources, health and nutrition, child survival, HIV/AIDS, gender, democratization)
• Promoting interaction and cooperation among organizations engaged in international development

Background & Rationale
What is AIARD?

Since 1964, AIARD continues to represent a cadre of professionals in both the United States and overseas, most of whom have had extensive front-line experience in various developing countries. AIARD is dedicated to helping prepare others to focus their skills to develop agriculture and the rural sector for mutual benefit of the United States and developing countries.

• AIARD's membership is unique in its breadth and depth. It includes development professionals from a vast community of universities, private voluntary organizations, commercial firms, governmental and donor agencies, and foundations in the United States and overseas.
• AIARD represents a broad disciplinary base of agricultural and related social science skills which are necessary to provide solutions to today's and tomorrow's challenges.
• AIARD is chartered and structured to speak to broad professional concerns in a manner which transcends institutional perspectives.
• AIARD is well positioned to inform and influence international, national, state, and local-level leaders and institutions to generate interest and better promote broader U.S. support for international agriculture and rural development programs of mutual benefit.
• AIARD is eminently qualified to suggest, design, and implement relevant strategies and programs to help advise institutions in the United States and developing countries to create more economically viable and competitiveagriculture and rural sectors.
• AIARD has initiated a new series of activities to enhance its capacity in public advocacy, membership, funding, information and communications, and strategic alliances with similar organizations, all of which are intended to develop broader United States government and donor support for international agriculture and rural development programs.

AIARD's Membership

AIARD's membership is unique in its breadth and depth and works with a wide range of individuals and institutions to accomplish its shared mission and objectives. AIARD includes development professionals with a vast range of experience and skills from a diverse community of universities, private voluntary organizations, commercial firms, trade associations, governmental and donor agencies, and foundations in the United States and overseas. The membership has extensive development experience in all regions of the world and regularly interacts to discuss issues and approaches. Such breadth and depth of membership in a variety of disciplines, organizations, and geographic regions makes AIARD an excellent focal point to provide credible, well-informed information on current and emerging issues concerning global poverty, food security, and related environmental matters, particularly as they relate to international agriculture and rural development.

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