How can agricultural knowledge, science and technology (AKST) be used to reduce hunger and poverty, improve rural livelihoods, and facilitate equitable environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable development? The paper from the IAASTD programme synthesies research a series of global and regional reports in an attempt to answer this question. The authors discuss the current conditions, challenges and options for action that are identified in shaping AKST before examining eight cross-cutting themes, which include: bioenergy, biotechnology, climate change, human health, natural resource management, trade and markets, traditional and local knowledge and community-based innovation, and women in agriculture. They find that despite significant scientific and technological achievements to increase agricultural productivity, little attention has been given to some of the unintended social and environmental consequences. Among the issues highlighted are: • poverty alleviation and the livelihoods options available to poor people • increasing the productivity of agriculture in a sustainable manner • the use of incentives to influence the choices individuals make • contexts of development and sustainability goals • diversifying, strengthening and retooling AKST The report concludes that in order to meet development and sustainability goals and respond to new priorities and changing circumstances, AKST needs to promote new institutional and organisational arrangements.
