The author traces agricultural research and development (R&D) among resource-poor farmers over a period of three decades, from mid-1960's, not only in selected study sites in Ethiopia, Sweden and Trinidad and Tobago but also citing numerous examples from around the world based on his vast experience in international agricultural R&D and education. A detailed analysis of technological changes that have shaped agricultural production trends over the period is also given.

Challenges that impact heavily on vulnerable resource-poor farmers such as biodiversity, climate change, water scarcity, change of land use, biological control of weeds and pests, effective extension services (involving farmers in the testing of new technologies under ‘real life’ situations), are highlighted from both the long-term productivity of natural resources standpoint and as means of achieving food security and safety. Since the majority of people in most developing countries are rural-based, increased investments in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture are called for if the Millennium Development Goals are to be achieved, especially the elimination of poverty, by 2015.

The complementary role of universities in producing graduates with relevant knowledge and that of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Centers and the transnational corporations in aligning their research priorities in consultation with the National Agricultural Research Systems, in order to achieve maximum synergy, is emphasized.

The book provides several annexes that complement the main text very well. It is therefore strongly recommended not only to policy makers in agricultural research, extension and education but also to the general public.