Impact:
- Sesame production increased from 4,000 metric tons (2016) to 166,354 metric tons (2025)
- Sesame sales reached 163,836 metric tons, valued at $244 million
We help rural
communities move
from survival to
prosperity
At Corus, we believe there are five fundamentals everyone needs to survive. Having the ability to earn an income is one of these fundamentals.
How Corus International
strengthens rural economies.
Our rural economic development programming aligns with Corus’s Five Fundamentals, with Income as a primary driver and Knowledge as a critical, integrated contributor.
What We Do
Drive agricultural growth and profitability
We support smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to increase production, improve post- harvest efficiency, and expand access to local and global markets — delivering measurable gains in food security, productivity, and household income.
Advance sustainable land and water management
Environmental stewardship is embedded across our programs. By promoting efficient land and water use, we help rural enterprises grow responsibly while protecting natural resources critical to long-term economic and environmental resilience.
Strengthen market systems and private sector engagement
We develop inclusive market systems that enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to compete and thrive. Through strategic partnerships with global companies, we help private sector partners meet ESG goals, strengthen supply chains, and create shared value.
Unlock opportunity for women and young adults
We remove structural barriers that limit participation in rural economies. By expanding equitable access to skills, finance, and leadership opportunities, we strengthen the rural workforce and improve overall market performance.
Technical Areas
of Expertise
We specialize in the following rural economic development interventions:
- Market systems strengthening (MSS) Enterprise development
- Social and behavior change (SBC) Agroecology
- Disaster risk reduction (DRR)
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Positive youth development
- Resilience programming
- Land and water resource management Humanitarian–development nexus programming
Results
and Impact
- Increased agricultural productivity and farmer incomes
- Stronger, more inclusive rural market systems
- Improved resilience to climate and economic shocks
- Expanded economic participation for women and youth
Spotlight: Market-Led Growth in West Africa
In Burkina Faso, Corus organization Lutheran World Relief implemented an innovative Producer Enterprise Agent (PEA) model to deliver training on production, post-harvest handling, and processing to sesame cooperatives and unions.
PEAs — primarily young adults — are embedded in local communities and serve as commercial bridges to the market, creating a durable, locally driven foundation for trade.
Frequently
Asked Questions
International development and humanitarian response
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How does Corus International support rural economic development?
Corus International works with farmers, local businesses, and institutions to increase agricultural productivity, strengthen market systems, build environmentally sustainable practices, and expand economic opportunities for women and youth. Our programs are designed to be locally led, market-driven, and sustainable.
Where does Corus International implement rural economic development programs?
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Who benefits from Corus International’s rural economic development work?
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How does Corus International work with the private sector?
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