Agricultural diversification for the poor: guidelines for practitioners

This study outlines practical ways for implementing diversification activities. The emphasis is on how the diversification process can be made pro-poor with minimum risk involved. It aims to provide a comprehensive and functional approach for implementing appropriate diversification programs that can benefit poor people.

The study:

• outlines the changes in the external environment that influence the process of diversification and reviewing background literature on the rationale and process of diversification
• offers a six-point structure for describing key operational guidelines for practitioners: 1) feasibility, 2) policy, 3) infrastructure and markets, 4) research, extension, and training 5) private sector and supply chains, and 6) natural resources
• presents lessons and functional guidance for future initiatives, drawing on past diversification initiatives especially in the Bank, These typically relate to a multicomponent approach involving specific investment areas (for example, irrigation, infrastructure, and research systems) that are discussed within the six-point structure.
• provide a list of key investment areas to assist diversification.