This inception paper reviews recent trends in poverty, vulnerability and extension, and the policy context in which extension is located. It does so in order to identify key issues for further investigation through more detailed literature review and field investigation in the main part of the study. Some scope for action by governments and donors arises from this inception review, but discussion of this will be presented in the final report. Further, it would be premature here to discuss extension approaches and methodology in any detail until broader questions of the contribution that can be made by extension to the reduction of poverty and vulnerability have been discussed.