The world's population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050; how to feed this population is one of the challenges facing policymakers around the world. The combination of a growing global population, rising incomes in many countries, increased use of biofuels, and potential reductions in agricultural production due to climate change has created an urgent need for investments in sustainable agricultural productivity. Traditional agricultural technologies will not be enough to meet these challenges. Innovative research is required to ensure that food production keeps pace with a growing world.
Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) , facilitated by IFPRI, is dedicated to providing reliable, up-to-date data and analysis on investment and capacity in agricultural R&D in the developing world. The information provided by ASTI can be crucial for researchers to improve agricultural technologies and for policymakers to enact effective agricultural policies. More informed policy decisions can subsequently help producers increase food production, leading to stronger food security and reduced poverty.