Ruralter Editions

The RURALTER editorial label is the property of AVSF. AVSF makes sure that the publications spread technical and methodological references and proposals in favor of:

• gaining recognition for smallholder farming in society and for the role that it plays in rural areas: food production for local and international markets, food security, job creation in rural areas, sustainable management of land and natural resources by using production systems that respect the environment, effective participation in the creation of wealth and economic growth, contribution to the fight against climate change, etc.;
• strengthening legitimate and autonomous smallholder organizations, capable of defending their interests vis-à-vis other actors in society: economic actors and businesses, local authorities, other civil society organizations, the government and cooperation agencies, etc.;
• ensuring equitable rural development for smallholder families.

The RURALTER editorial label also ensures that the proposals presented are based on real experiences, carried out and proven to be successful on the ground, that had undergone collective promotion, study, and analysis.

An ad-hoc committee (Comité Ruralter et Compétences) made up of recognized rural development professionals carries out the editorial committee tasks: it evaluates the quality of the productions and works to improve them.

Main Topics

Although it is interested in all innovative topics, RURALTER Editions focuses its publication efforts on priority topics, those at the heart of the cooperative efforts of AVSF and its partners:

• sustainable and efficient management of natural resources within smallholder production systems: How can smallholder families secure access to resources (particularly land and water)? How can production systems that are efficient, eco-friendly, and that ensure the protection of plant and animal biodiversity be strengthened?
• adaptation of smallholder farmers to climate change and mitigation: How can smallholder farmers, faced with the effects of climate change, maintain and intensify their production? How can revenue, jobs, and services be generated for smallholders in the South while at the same time integrating them as actors in limiting greenhouse gases?
• participation of smallholder organizations in foodstuff and export supply chains and markets: What innovative mechanisms for integrating smallholder organizations into plant and animal product supply chains will help ensure the supply of food to cities and rural areas?
• development of livestock farming for food security: How can small-scale livestock farming be assisted in developing the production of food products of animal origin and improving food security?
• animal health and veterinary public health: What tools can be used to help strengthen the capacities of preventative medicine, monitoring, and combatting zoonoses and other diseases with potentially big economic impacts, while closely linking livestock farmer organizations and private veterinarians? How can producers in the South integrate production and the well-being of animals?

Finally, RURALTER Editions focuses on the training and employment of young people as well as strengthening the political and socio-economic power of women in rural areas.

RURALTER collections

• Metodológica: methodological proposals in the form of methodological and educational guides
• Praxis: technical and economic references from innovative and proven activities in rural development, agricultural, and livestock farming programs

• Studies and testimonials: experiences and first-hand accounts in the field of rural development as well as studies, analyses, and articles that present innovations for supporting smallholder farmers

The publications in the "Metodológica" collection include methodological proposals that have been tested and proven to be successful in the cooperation programs carried out by AVSF and its partners.

The "Metodológica" collection propagates working methods and tools that have been tested and proven to be successful on the ground. The publications within the collection are in two formats:

• methodological guides accessible to project technicians, smallholder leaders, association managers, and all other political and economic actors working alongside smallholder organizations and families;
• educational modules intended for technicians and trainers.

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The publications in the “Praxis” collection include technical and economic references that have proven to be successful in development projects carried out by AVSF and its partners for strengthening smallholder farming by developing rural, agricultural, and livestock farming. These publications are intended for project technicians, smallholder leaders, association managers working in rural areas, and any other political and economic actors working alongside smallholder organizations and families.

The "Praxis" collection also includes:

• detailed fact sheets and overviews of innovative activities on specific topics: they indicate the results obtained and include technical and methodological notes to help ensure diffusion and replication of the activities;
• proceedings of seminars on specific topics, compiling relevant information learned on the ground while working in support of smallholder farmers;
• articles and texts presenting innovative approaches with respect to RURALTER Editions’ priority topics for equitable and sustainable rural development in favor of smallholder farming.

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The “Studies and Testimonials” collection includes:

• capitalizations and stories about people’s experiences in cooperation programs, and first-hand accounts from actors who took part in the activities;

• reports of studies, training, and evaluations that are of particular interest from AVSF, its cooperation partners in the South, and its advocacy partners in the North: these are all working and reference tools for technicians, smallholder leaders, and decision-makers at the political level;

• proceedings of seminars and articles focused specifically on rural development and intended for people working for development;

• educational games created by AVSF and intended for trainers, students, young people in training, and any other person interested in carrying out activities in their area to educate people about development.

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