This paper presents an analysis of the characteristics of family farming in Latin America and the Caribbean, and discusses what might be its role in overcoming some of the major challenges to the development of this region. Hence, the main objective of the study is to analyze the evolving process that places the concept of family farming at the political and institutional agenda in Latin America and Caribbean as well as to depict it's diversity in the region. Furthermore, it examines the contribution of family farming to agricultural and rural development, food and nutrition security. The paper also presents some key recommendations and discusses the enabling policy environment that should be built and deployed to overcome the challenges family farmers face, highlighting the policies and best practices involving family farming that are being implemented in the region.