Governance

Sound institutions and good governance are central to improving agricultural productivity and reducing rural poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

Governance refers to how power and authority is used to manage the collective affairs of a community, society, nation, or country. Institutions are the systems of formal and informal rules that enable the development of policies, cooperation, and innovation. Both concepts are equally important for promoting civic participation in political affairs, mutual accountability between leaders and citizens, and responsible natural resource management.

IFPRI’s governance research analyzes the role of institutional and governance arrangements, as well as the related policy processes, in promoting food security and poverty reduction.   Particular attention is given to strengthened assets and property rights; inclusive and effective collective action; pro-poor public investments and policies; and high-quality public service delivery through institutional innovations.