The Effectiveness of Small-Scale Agriculture Interventions on Household Food Security: a review of the literature

Guide to readers This paper is organized into 3 main sections: An introductory section provides a history and context for this study. In the first section, a common language or conceptual framework is developed to relate agriculture and food security issues using existing models and frameworks from the literature. The Sustainable Livelihoods (SL) approach is used as the carrier framework wherein food production, food security, and nutrition outcomes can be 'located'. The assets-based model, which is derived from the SL approach, is used to review literature on agriculture, with emphasis on sustainable agriculture and agroecology. A second section provides evidence of the contribution of sustainable agriculture, farming systems and agro-ecological approaches towards sustainable livelihood outcomes. Three key publications are highlighted as they include the largest survey of sustainable agriculture experiences to date, a strategic review of agricultural development strategies by two major multilateral agencies, and a gathering of world-renown ed authors during the 1999 Bellagio Conference on agroecological innovation. This section also addresses selected articles that emphasize the need to address the effectiveness of agricultural interventions from the perspective of diversified household income generation strategies. Articles that address the policy and economic dimensions are included, with particular emphasis on an article on commercialization. Lastly, a few articles that emphasize women's multiple livelihood strategies are included. It is important to underline that the evidence section supports the need to work within a Sustainable Livelihoods (SL) approach and address diversified household activities. A third section includes conclusions, key themes and possible next step scenarios. This last section is meant to guide a discussion about further steps and actions to be discussed during the February 14 th. 2002 workshop.