Rural development is integrated with much of the work undertaken by SKM in international development. The agricultural sector in any developing country provides employment for the vast majority of people and like no other sector agriculture provides food, a vital ingredient for human existence.

The Sinclair Knight Merz experience in this vital sector includes a range of activities including: 

• Agricultural extension and training  
• Agricultural research  
• Livestock development  
• Irrigation management and system design and development  
• Biological control and integrated pest management
• Rural development and planning for rural communities
• Rural infrastructure design and development
• Water resource management
• Flood control and management

Agricultural marketing and agro-industry development has been a recent focus in this sector and has included the provision of quality assurance training in the Indonesian horticultural sector, and the development of the Indonesian vegetable industry for the domestic and export markets.

Land and resources play a central role in the agriculture sector and sustainable agricultural systems are an essential foundation for rural development. Through the delivery of training and technical assistance our work also encompasses the sustainable management of agricultural resources, such as soil and water, in developing country environments.

Rural development links across much of the work in our other social sectors including health and education. Community development and the provision of basic infrastructure, such as schools and health centres support the wellbeing of farming populations and reduce their vulnerability to crisis.