The level of investment in agriculture is positively correlated with food security and poverty reduction. Regrettably, agricultural investment in developing countries decreased sharply over the last decades. Substantial increases are needed to eradicate hunger and poverty, create decent jobs and livelihood opportunities and ensure environmental sustainability. As the largest on-farm investors, farmers must be central to agricultural investment strategies. Their investments must be stimulated and complemented by governmental and donor investments in public goods.

Domestic and foreign private investments along the entire value chain also play an important role. However, the benefits of agricultural investments will not arise automatically and some forms of investment carry risks for local communities and the environment. FAO promotes responsible investment in agriculture through empirical research and by supporting various consultation processes.