The program undertakes regional food and agricultural policy research, capacity strengthening, and outreach in the following 12 countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

1. Facilitating agricultural trade
   The program's core topic is facilitating agricultural trade. Research on this topic addresses factors that affect access to domestic, regional, and international markets, such as access to credit, storage, transportation, and market information. It investigates investment options in commodity subsectors with promising trade prospects; suggests how to create greater linkages between small producers and markets; and identifies policy and institutional reforms that could facilitate expanded trade.
2. Commercializing smallholder agriculture
   The impact of market liberalization on Eastern and Central Africa's small-scale farmers has been disappointing. Research on this topic examines the combination of policy measures and institutional innovations that would create incentives for smallholders to pursue commercially oriented livelihood strategies.
3. Strengthening food and agricultural policies and institutions
   Research on this topic considers the role of research-based evidence in addressing forces such as globalization, urbanization, HIV/AIDS, population growth, and climate change. It looks at how research can help in designing and implementing food and agricultural policy to promote agriculture-based growth, poverty reduction, and food security. It identifies and promotes institutions and processes required to facilitate such policies.
4. Developing options for improved agricultural science and technology policies
   Research in this area analyzes existing agricultural science and technology policy systems in the region and explores options for increasing their relevance and impact through greater integration with broader agricultural and economic development policy.
5. Strengthening institutions for using and managing natural resources
   This topic includes identifying and promoting technical routines and institutional arrangements that support sustainable farmer adoption of knowledge- and management-intensive technologies for improved natural resource management.