In November, the SPARK initiative and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) held an informative virtual learning event on disability inclusion in rural transformation. Bringing together over 80 participants, this forum offered valuable peer exchange and recommendations to drive more inclusive agricultural development.
For context, SPARK is an innovative program launched by IFAD and partners including Light for the World, the International Labour Organisation, and PROCASUR Corporation. Currently active in Burkina Faso, India, Mozambique and Malawi, SPARK tackles entrenched barriers facing persons with disabilities through systemic, multidimensional efforts spanning policy enhancements, capacity building, grassroots leadership and knowledge management.
Four panels spotlighted country initiatives advancing inclusion. Mozambique discussed training officials and incorporating persons with disabilities into farmer groups and cooperatives. Malawi emphasized the effectiveness of its Disability Inclusion Facilitators as catalysts for change. Burkina Faso highlighted inclusive design enabling accessible farming solutions through the AgriLabs. India explored intersectional empowerment of women with disabilities through Self-Help Groups.Ā

While underscoring achievements, speakers highlighted persisting gaps like financing and data constraints hindering further progress. Recommendations focused on dedicated inclusion budgets, defined targets, capacity building, process accessibility and scaling effective models.
The discourse made clear that realizing equitable participation across rural development will necessitate comprehensive, coordinated commitments to dismantle barriers. By taking up these promising approaches, stakeholders worldwide can collaborate to drive systemic inclusion. Viewing the recording and report provides valuable insights to inform efforts.
Participant Highlights
“Realizing agriculture’s potential requires pursuing inclusion as both a moral and economic imperative.” – Ndaya Beltchika, IFADĀ
“SPARK is a catalyst adopting a systemic approach to identify solutions.” – Ambrose Murangira, Light for the World
“DIFs strengthen advocacy by channeling insights on barriers.” – Simon Munde, Malawi Federation of Disability OrganizationsĀ
“We faced lack of knowledge on how to deal with persons with disabilities.” – Luisa Calima, Mozambique PROCAVA Project
“The wonderful aspect of the SPARK project in India is that it has been operationalized in close coordination with womenās self-help groups.” – Meera Mishra, IFAD India
āWe take prioritizing social inclusion very seriously in our portfolio.ā – Ann Turinayo, IFAD Burkina Faso
“Inclusion…is not only right but also possible” – Jaana Keitaanranta, IFAD Mozambique
“Disability inclusion is an integral part of our DNA at IFAD Malawi.” – Richard Chazika, IFAD Malawi