The overall objective of the study is to prepare an agenda of priority research for the IDRC Rural Poverty and Environment Programme Initiative (RPE) within the theme “productive strategies for poor households to participate successfully in the global economic process”. The RPE’s mission is to contribute to the development of networks, partnerships and communities of practices, in order to strengthen institutions, policies and practices that enhance the food, water and income security of the poor, including those living in fragile or degraded uplands and coastal ecosystems.