RG-T1754 : Agriculture Support Structure: Second Phase

The immediate objective of this study is to consolidate and promote the effective use of the knowledge and resources generated in the first phase of this project, that is, as part of RG-P1348. Those inputs refer to a better understanding of public policies in the agricultural sector; the mapping of both the current agricultural competitive structure and the composition of public supports (to consumers and producers) in the agriculture sector; and a first exploration of the relationship between the food crisis and climate change in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. RG-P1348 also seeks the transmission of knowledge and active policy dialogue with the authorities. This new proposal seeks to (i) ensure the completion of all components of RG-P1348; (ii) strengthen the dissemination and transmission of the generated know-how; and (iii) explore further the links between food crisis, agricultural development and climate change. Based on those inputs, the project will ultimately contribute the transmission of knowledge and tools to local governments to effectively design policies in the agricultural sector based on evidence. Expected Results The expected results consist of a complete research paper for each country discussing the responses to the food crisis in each country; the specific structure of production and public support policies; and some broad recommendations or guidelines towards effective (and away from ineffective) agricultural policies to deal with this type of crises as well as other emerging in the future. Also, it is expected that the papers include some exploration of the links between food crisis, agricultural development and climate change, either or both methodological or/and empirical. A second result from the project will be a comprehensive dissemination of results, both through a series of seminars in each country and the publication and distribution of a book (which will contain the results of the research papers and the contributions of the participating stakeholders). A third result should be the transmission of know-how to maintain and update an agro-database across national counterparts.