There is increasing agreement that agricultural growth matters for poverty reduction and has a significance extending well beyond the agriculture sector. Examples of successful research and innovation support by DFID show the central role of science and research in technological innovation. Technology cannot be viewed in isolation from innovation in policies and institutions. These provide incentives for farmers to adopt new ideas and ensure that institutional structures enable delivery of technologies. Examples of how DFID is addressing these broader concerns highlight the importance of the public sector and also the role of the private sector and NGOs.