The migration of poor people from the countryside into cities fuels excessive rates of urbanization in many of the 48 LDCs, while many international migrants come from rural areas.
More than two thirds of the population of LDCs live in rural areas, and 60 per cent work in agriculture, highlighting the need for structural changes focused on the fight against poverty. This means developing the synergies between agricultural modernization and diversification of the rural economy.
UNCTAD recommends placing more importance on non-farm rural activities instead of primarily focusing on increasing agricultural productivity, as well as increasing the production of higher-value agricultural products.