Rural poverty refers to the state of lacking financial resources and essentials for living experienced by people in non-urban regions. It takes into account factors such as rural society, economy, and political systems that contribute to marginalization and economic disadvantage. Rural areas often have less well-maintained infrastructure and face challenges in accessing markets, legal and social protections, and support systems for economic development. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, three quarters of those in poverty are in rural areas, most of whom are smallholders or agricultural workers whose livelihoods are heavily dependent on agriculture
. The causes of rural poverty are complex and multidimensional, involving factors such as culture, climate, gender, markets, and public policy
. Persistently high levels of rural poverty have contributed to rapid population growth and migration to urban areas, and distorted government policies have been major contributors to both rural and urban poverty
. Rural poverty has distinct regional and racial patterns, with certain regions and racial groups being particularly vulnerable to persistent poverty
