Most Africans depend on small-scale farming systems as the primary source of their livelihoods. Yet they are marginalized and often do not produce enough to enable their families to have sufficient food to eat throughout the year. Smallholder farmers are also particularly vulnerable to climatic and economic shocks. Despite these challenges, the agriculture sector has been neglected by national governments and international donors over a sustained period. While development aid to Africa has increased by 250 per cent since the early 1980s, the allocation to agriculture has halved.