Emerging role of international food policy research

The potential and constraints of that role are described in this paper through examples of studies carried out at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Currently, IFPRI"s research agenda covers five priority areas: (1) development strategy, (2) technology policy, (3) poverty alleviation, (4) Africa"s food problems, and (5) food aid. The IFPRI process emphasizes collaboration with developing country institutions to develop indigenous research capabilities. Specific research is repeated in different countries or regions with different socioeconomic and policy environments to obtain a reliable basis for generalization. This approach is exemplified by a recent IFPRI study on consumer-oriented food subsidy policies. Conducted in a dozen countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the study made a significant contribution to the overall knowledge and understanding of how governments in developing countries can most efficiently deal with food price policies in an environment of growing government deficits and foreign debt. An annex lists IFPRI"s collaborative research projects in developing countries.