The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) has warned that weak market linkages, limited digital connectivity, and slow rural transformation are jeopardizing the sustainability of rural economies in Africa and Asia.

• The organization highlighted that structural barriers prevent smallholder farmers from accessing regional and global markets.
• Key figures included AARDO Secretary General Manoj Nardeosingh and Secretary for Agriculture Peter Owoko of Kenya.
• India pledged continued financial and technical support, committing an additional $750,000 to AARDO's human resource development programs and $500,000 for secretariat renovation.