Rural communities in developing countries face increasing challenges related to their livelihoods and food security, the deterioration of natural resources, the impacts of climate change and volatile food prices, among others. Innovation is key to agricultural development. In order to realize the potential of agricultural innovation in family farming, national priorities of sustainably increasing food production and productivity, and reducing hunger and poverty, require rural knowledge institutions to be stronger and communication processes to be improved. FAO’s research and extension branch (OEKR) focuses on transforming agricultural innovation systems of member countries. It works to develop an enabling environment and to enhance national agriculture research institutions and rural extension and communication for development services by providing policy advice and technical assistance projects/programmes, and by promoting studies and policy dialogue.