The sharp increase in world food prices has raised serious concerns about the food and nutrition situation of poor people in developing countries, about inflation, and about civil unrest in some countries. This article briefly examines the causes of these price increases, the consequences...

Agriculture and rural growth promotion show a recent 'comeback' in development cooperation, but action on the ground so far is not sufficient. After years of neglect, policy makers have recognized that poverty reduction in many low income countries can only be achieved if development efforts are...