ODI theme pages highlight key narratives in international development and humanitarianism. To view some of our other theme pages, choose from the list below.
Our work is carried out within a number of programmes. If you are an individual or organisation wanting to work with ODI, visit the ODI Programme pages.
A palm full of coffee beans, Uganda
Source: flickr/gordontour
Despite urbanisation, 75% of the world's poor live rurally, and agriculture remains the largest single contributor to their livelihoods. Agricultural development is therefore of vital importance to the alleviation of poverty in the developing world, both directly (by offering employment) and indirectly (by generating jobs away from the farm and pushing down food prices).
While the principles of agricultural development are well known - for example, farmers need to be linked to markets and improved technology needs to be provided - their application in particular contexts requires careful analysis. Changes in international markets, supply chains managed by supermarket chains, rising demand for biofuels, the impact of economic growth in China and India, and the looming threat of climate change - all have implications for policy.
Much of ODI's current work on agriculture takes place in association with partners in the Future Agricultures Consortium. Research focuses on the political economy of policy reform, social protection and agriculture, and pathways of commercialisation for small farmers.
