Request for approval of small research activity -- agricultural development and the demand for food : a concepts paper

Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare a concepts paper that identifies programs, policies, and projects that are most likely to generate an increase in the growth rate of effective demand of the poor in developing countries. The study will focus on five functional categories and assess the role each plays in increasing demand: (1) asset distribution and access, including land tenure and local participatory institutions; (2) planning and policy analysis; (3) development and diffusion of new technology, primarily in agricultural research, education, and extension; (4) rural infrastructure, including land and water development, conservation, energy and electrification, and rural roads; and (5) marketing and storage, input supply, rural industry, and credit. The USDA will utilize secondary data (e.g., past project activities, evaluation reports, and empirical studies) and develop a country-specific typology based on the distribution of and access to assets and on macroeconomic and sectoral policies.