| Seven out of ten poor people in the world live in rural areas. Reducing global poverty therefore requires thorough understanding of the factors and institutions that generate and perpetuate rural poverty, and an assessment of policies and interventions designed to support poor people in rural areas in improving their lives. The World Bank rural development research program seeks to address these needs. It is empirical in orientation, with a focus on policies and investments undertaken by governments and supported by development agencies. While leadership of the program is centered in The World Bank’s Development Research Group, the program also encompasses research activities undertaken by staff in other World Bank units. Program staff work collaboratively with researchers in universities and research institutions around the world.
For further information, contact Gershon Feder(Research Manager).

Diffusing New Knowledge among Farmers: The Role of Opinion Leaders, Winter 2006, Gershon Feder and Sara Savastano. To bring about broader gains in farmers' knowledge through opinion leaders, they should be selected so as not to be too superior in socioeconomic status. Full Text.
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