Why we do what we do
The developing world’s poor spend more than half their income on food, yet many are not getting enough calories and protein for good health. Their diets are often limited, and deficient in essential micronutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc, and vitamin A. Even those who earn a living as farmers purchase food to meet their needs. Rising world food prices and growing global demand for food further compound the problem.
For 40 years,
IDRC has helped developing-country researchers combat hunger and poverty. IDRC’s earlier programs showed that improving conditions for small-scale agriculture, without overexploiting natural resources and damaging the environment, is not easy.
We’ve learned that a variety of measures are often needed, including:
- agricultural technologies well adapted to the needs of small-scale farmers
- better institutions and supporting policies
- solutions to resource-access issues
- more effective watershed management
- better use and conservation of biodiversity
- more sustainable land-use practices
We support research across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East.