Since the late 1990s, the concept of governance has taken center stage on the development agenda. Governance is the exercise of economic, political, and administrative authority to manage a country’s affairs at all levels (UNDP). Efforts to improve governance focus on voice and accountability, effective delivery of public services, measures against corruption, regulatory quality, and security and political stability. IFPRI research in governance focuses on governance structures and policy processes that help reduce hunger and poverty by improving agricultural productivity and promoting rural development.
Improved knowledge on ways to advance the poverty focus in governance is a global public good, for which IFPRI has a comparative advantage and a mandate to contribute.