Agriculture in developing countries faces a number of challenges – especially for smallholder farmers. Despite accounting for the majority of production, these farmers face poverty and food insecurity. Bypassed by modern agriculture and commercial markets, and extremely vulnerable to climate change and environmental damage, young people are leaving the sector, which in turn threatens consumer food supplies. Improving agriculture is twice as effective at reducing poverty as any other sector, so since the 1960s we have been working to improve productivity, build climate resilience, enhance income opportunities and make agriculture work for smallholders.
We bring together researchers, the private sector, government bodies, rural enterprises and smallholder farmers to create resilient farming and food systems that help create vibrant rural economies.