Understanding the Thematic Area: This thematic area tackles issues of agricultural development, rural livelihoods, and household and national food security. Given the importance of agriculture in Africa regarding its contribution to economic growth, poverty reduction, and national exports, this is a very important thematic area. RuralNet has a long and distinguished background in this area, and other thematic areas have evolved from it. Sub-themes include agricultural production and productivity, agricultural markets and value chains, agribusiness development, non-farm rural livelihoods, agricultural policies, rural finance and institutions, and capacity development. As hinted at above, these themes are connected to other areas. Therefore, an integrated approach that mainstreams key issues—such as natural resource management, climate change, gender, and human development—is key to a comprehensive treatment of this area.