The overall objective of this scoping study is to prepare an agenda of priority research for the Rural Poverty and Environment (RPE) Programme Initiative of IDRC. This is to be done within the theme of productive strategies and empowerment of poor families to participate successfully in global markets.

Background
This project provides a map for cutting edge problems and research agendas in rural economies in developing countries. Using original research in seven diverse countries, it aims to provide on the ground evidence to complement to desk based research in London. A peer review panel of experts in various fields will provide guidance and feedback during the course of the project.

As part of the project, the following regional scans were carried out:

• Andean
• Central American
• Mekong
• Nile Basin
• Sahel
• South Asia

There were also country reports developed, with detailed information on the following countries:

• Bolivia
• Egypt
• Honduras
• India
• Senegal
• Uganda
• Vietnam

Gemma Jones