The contribution of horticulture to sustainable development

Facing the combined challenges of an increasing world population, environmental degradation, climate change and civil unrest, our world needs new responses to sustainable development. While the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) have been only partly successful, the United Nations agreed in September 2015 to a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to focus the development efforts of all countries. Looking at the contributions that can be made by horticulture to several of these SDGs, this paper will present the most applicable goals and targets and highlight how the sector can make a significant contribution to the achievement of several of the SDGs and thus to global development. The concept of “horticulture for sustainable development” (H4sD) will be described. H4sD activities pave the way for the integration of subsistence farmers, the landless and other resource-poor people once excluded from markets into broader economic activities. This will play a significant role in sustaining rural communities and improving the living conditions of the poor. Elements of the value chain for horticultural crops create employment and open new market opportunities for fruit and vegetables to play a pivotal role in fighting the triple threats of hunger, micronutrient deficiencies and over nourishment. Being mostly high value crops, horticultural crops contribute to wealth creation. Last but not least, horticulture can have a positive impact on the empowerment of women and contribute to the protection and enrichment of biodiversity and more liveable cities.