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Is enhancing the productivity of family farms is the most effective way to reduce rural poverty in the developing world? This report examines this question from a number of angles. It discusses five likely livelihoods strategies for rural people, each of which depends on the context where which they live, their situation, and their interests. These include: agricultural intensification with and without supportcontinuing to farm primarily for own consumptionseeking income in other parts of the rural economymigrationThe report concludes that while increasing the productivity of family farms in Africa can play an important role in poverty reduction, a mass scale impact will require a more comprehensive and integrated approach.[adapted from author]