The G7 summit in July 2015 emphasized the need for a broad scope of interventions appreciating that hunger and malnutrition are currently most prevalent in rural areas. The G7 aim to follow an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to support rural areas in developing their potential. Yet, they also appreciate that rural worlds around the globe are in transition.

To influence this transition to become socially inclusive and ecologically sustainable is a precondition to pro-poor rural economic development. Furthermore, access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all is spelled out as Sustainable Development Goal 7. Hence, sustainable energy solutions for agriculture and food value chains are a central structural element to any support strategy for such inclusive rural development.