This volume draws together leading experts from academia, think-tanks and donor agencies to examine the impact of transnational knowledge networks in the formulation of local, national and global policy in the field of international development and transition studies. These leading contributors pay particular attention to the global reach of research and the manner in which knowledge is incorporated into, and shapes, transnational policy domains. They show how the 'knowledge agenda' has become a central part of the discourse of both developing societies and advanced economies. Governments and international organizations devote considerable financial resources to both in-house and contracted research. Global Knowledge Networks and International Development will be of great interest to students, researchers and policy makers concerned with global policy, global governance and development.

The 'knowledge agenda' has become a central part of the discourse of both developing societies and advanced economies. Governments and international organisations devote considerable financial resources to both in-house and contracted research. This volume draws together leading experts from academia, think tanks and donor agencies to examine the impact of transnational knowledge networks in the formulation of local, national and global policy in the field of international development and transition studies. The contributors pay particular attention to the global reach of research and the manner in which knowledge is incorporated into, and shapes, transnational policy domains. Providing a coherent analysis of thinking and practice on this topic, the book consists of three parts: Part I explores the role of knowledge and ideas in development policy Part II provides case studies on projects bridging research and policy making at the International Development Research Centre in Canada, the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Washington DC-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Part III focuses on the intersection of research and policy communities with cas

Sub-Saharan Africa is the only region in the world currently facing both widespread chronic food insecurity and threats of famine. Why is this so and what can be done? In seeking to answer these questions, have brought together eleven different perspectives on critical food security issues, from the causes of food insecurity to planning and policy interventions. They have drawn on a variety of disciplines, from agricultural economics to nutrition. An evolution of thinking would appear to have taken place over the last ten years. Food insecurity is no longer seen simply as a failure of agriculture to produce sufficient food at the national level, but instead as a failure of livelihoods to guarantee access to sufficient food to people at the household level. This conceptual shift and related arguments are presented in a clear and accessible way for the non-specialist reader as well as the development specialist.