"The
rural sector constitutes the backbone of the economy in terms of its contribution to employment and people's livelihood in most developing countries. Around 70 per cent of the population in these countries live and work in rural areas. Although development implies progressive decline in the importance of the
rural sector, and of agricultural in particular, the rural economy will remain a source of employment and livelihood for a majority of the population in many developing countries for a long time to come."
(Schaad, E.,
Rural Development, International Labour Office, 1991, visited 2009-06-10)
