The extreme poor lack physical and educational resources. Assuming they have access to land, then microcredit schemes to purchase quality seed, fertilizers if required, etc. can be very useful. At the same time, some limited distribution of food may be necessary so that they can work productively until crops, pastures for livestock, poultry, fish ponds are producing. Too often, the poor are weak simply from malnutition.
In many cases, human or animal parasites limit their productivity. This requires intervention.
Once crops etc are produced, then the barriers to market must be addressed including transport and post-harvest losses which are often considerable. Development of simple drying techniques of grain will reduce markedly spoilage from fungi. On the other hand, rapid transport is required for perishable items eg leafy vegetables, meat, fish.
In any project, involvement of the locals, including finding a local champion, is essential in all phases of the project from design to implementation to conclusion in handing it over totally to locals.
It would be worthwhile examining some of the ACIAR [Australian Centre for International Agricultural Reseach] projects in say Vietnam, Cambodia and Africa. Also, Dr Peter Carberry, now Deputy Director General, ICRISAT, has done some very interesting work in Africa including Buko Faso.
Dr. Lindsay Campbell