Innovation spaces are often dominated by linear, top-down approaches, with the transfer of technology being seen as the solution to many problems rather than trying to understand which innovation processes people are engaging with themselves.

The government of Viet Nam promotes an integrated and diversified production system that focuses on the symbiotic relationship of livestock, aquaculture, and fruits and vegetables (F&V), locally known as Vuon Ao Chuong (VAC).

Myanmar experienced four distinct COVID shocks to its economy over 2020 to early 2022 as well as a military takeover in February 2021 that created severe political, civil and economic turmoil.

This Working Paper takes comprehensive stock of the impacts of the first two waves of COVID-19 (in Q2 and Q4 2020) on the microfinance sector in Myanmar.

Key findings

Using phone survey data from March 2021, we found that the impacts of the recent political unrest in Myanmar further compound the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, both on the farm as well as on the non-farm rural economy.

Despite the reportedly rapid growth of mechanization, as well as its unique history in economic and social systems, information on the patterns of agricultural mechanization growth in Viet Nam has been limited.

This chapter analyzes recent patterns of agricultural mechanization in Myanmar from the demand side (farms) and the supply side (machinery dealerships).

Analyzing the experiences of eight Asian and five African countries, the authors explore crucial government roles in boosting and supporting mechanization, from import policies to promotion policies to public good policies.

Agricultural mechanization in Africa south of the Sahara — especially for small farms and businesses — requires a new paradigm to meet the needs of the continent’s evolving farming systems.

Africa has experienced a paradigm shift in mechanization in the past three decades. The “new paradigm” has also given rise to new challenges and policy issues.

Evidence from Asia indicates that mechanization can play a vital role in poverty-reducing small-scale agricultural and rural development.

In March 2019, the government of the Philippines promulgated a bill called the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

The coronavirus pandemic has sparked not only a health crisis but also an economic crisis, which together pose a serious threat to food security, particularly in poorer countries.

Building inclusive food systems to help reach the goal of ending hunger and malnutrition globally will require innovation and investment at the regional and country levels.

Highlights of IFPRI’s current cutting-edge, policy-relevant research in Central, East, South, and Southeast Asia are featured in this brochure.

Here, we evaluate the use of causal modeling and participatory risk assessment to developnational policy on systemic water risks.