Overview
The Development Strategies and Governance Unit (DSG) conducts research to inform policies and development strategies and build capacity that will support food systems transformation in this changing context, help to end poverty and malnutrition, and improve livelihoods. Working with partners, DSG provides timely, demand-driven analysis on emerging issues along with research on megatrends affecting food systems, with a primary focus on rural transformation and urbanization and effective public and private investment.
To ensure policy relevance and enhance impact, DSG implements much of its work through IFPRI’s Regional Programs for Africa, South Asia, and Latin America and through IFPRI’s many Country Programs. These programs facilitate regular interactions with key stakeholders and support capacity building to ensure that IFPRI’s research and analysis are responsive to the needs of national and regional policymakers, private sector, and civil society.
In this video, Steven Were Omamo, the Unit director, talks about some of the key research areas DSG is focusing on. These include pro-poor growth and rural transformation, public investment to enhance resilience and improve food system performance, and the role of the private sector in agrifood systems.
Areas of Focus
Growth and pro-poor rural transformation and urbanization
Rural economies must adapt to rapid urbanization and structural changes but often face constraints such as underdeveloped agrifood value chains, weak rural-urban linkages, and limited nonfarm economic opportunities. To address these challenges, DSG conducts research on agrifood value chains, hunger, and rural and urban economies, as well as the impacts of investments and governance innovations aimed at expanding the rural nonfarm economy, boosting the productivity of farmers and agribusinesses, creating jobs, and empowering smallholders, women, and youth. With expertise in integrating value chain development with governance reforms, the team also conducts large-scale surveys and impact evaluations on value chains, consumption, and food security to support evidence-based rural economic transformation.
Public investment for agrifood systems transformation and resilience
Agrifood systems face multiple shocks, systemic vulnerabilities, and barriers to sustainable productivity growth. However, public investments often lack a clear focus on transformative, resilience-enhancing priorities. To address this challenge, DSG analyzes high-impact public investment opportunities that tackle vulnerabilities related to infrastructure, technology, and resource management. The team also evaluates governance reforms to enhance efficiency, transparency, and coordination of public spending and collaborates with governments to develop multisectoral, forward-looking development strategies that drive sustainable economic growth and resilience.
Food security under agrifood systems modernization
Modernization of agrifood systems must balance growth and efficiency with food security and inclusivity, especially for small-scale farmers and agribusinesses. To support this agenda, DSG analyzes private investment in physical and institutional upgrading of prioritized agrifood value chains (e.g., staples vs. exports). The team also explores institutional innovations and governance strategies that promote inclusion in the commercialization of agrifood value chains. Leveraging strong networks with public, private, and NGO actors, the team facilitates comprehensive assessments of the links between agrifood system trends, conditions, and broader development outcomes.
Explore our research
Journal Article
Rural institutions and the technical efficiency of teff production in Ethiopia
Working Paper
Options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and food systems
Working Paper
