Conference Date: 27th November 2025 Uva Wellassa University, Badulla

National Summit on Rural Development

Pathways for Rural Transformation: The 2025 Uva Dialogue

Conference Tracks

Seven specialized tracks covering key areas of rural development

Conference Tracks Overview

The National Summit on Rural Development 2025 features seven specialized tracks designed to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in rural development. Each track provides a focused platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to present their work and engage in meaningful discussions.

1. Agriculture, Livestock & Local Livelihoods

This track focuses on sustainable farming practices, livestock management, and community-based livelihood strategies. It explores innovative approaches to agricultural development, food security, and the enhancement of local economic opportunities in rural areas.

Key Areas: Sustainable agriculture, livestock development, food security, local livelihoods

2. Banking & Finance

Addressing financial inclusion, microfinance, and banking solutions specifically designed for rural development. This track examines innovative financial instruments and services that can support rural entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Key Areas: Financial inclusion, microfinance, rural banking, digital finance

3. Community Mobilization & Rural Transformation

Exploring community engagement strategies and participatory development approaches. This track emphasizes the importance of community-driven development and social mobilization in achieving sustainable rural transformation.

Key Areas: Community participation, social mobilization, participatory development

4. Economic Development & Planning

Focusing on strategic planning, economic policies, and development frameworks specifically designed for rural areas. This track addresses macro and micro-economic aspects of rural development planning and implementation.

Key Areas: Economic planning, policy development, rural economics, development frameworks

5. Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Supporting rural entrepreneurs and small business development initiatives. This track explores strategies for fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems, business development services, and market linkages in rural contexts.

Key Areas: Rural entrepreneurship, SME development, business incubation, market access

6. Human Resource Development

Addressing capacity building, training programs, and human capital development in rural areas. This track focuses on education, skills development, and knowledge transfer mechanisms for rural communities.

Key Areas: Capacity building, skills development, education, training programs

7. Hospitality & Tourism Industry

Exploring rural tourism development, hospitality services, and cultural preservation. This track examines how tourism can be leveraged as a tool for rural economic development while preserving local culture and environment.

Key Areas: Rural tourism, eco-tourism, cultural preservation, hospitality services

Track Submission Guidelines

Abstract Requirements

Abstracts should clearly indicate the relevant track and address the key areas outlined for that specific track.

Review Process

Track-specific expert panels will review submissions based on relevance, quality, and contribution to the field.

Presentation Formats

Accepted papers can be presented as oral presentations or poster sessions within the respective tracks.

Ready to Submit Your Abstract?

Choose the most relevant track for your research and contribute to the advancement of rural development knowledge and practice.

Submit Abstract Submission Guidelines