Agricultural policy is experiencing a period of evolution and ferment throughout the world. However, there is no book that gives systematic guidance for policy makers in agriculture, in the form of distillations of the lessons of international research and experience. Ministries and agencies are trying to move away from traditional forms of intervention in agriculture but creating new policies, and deciding on what is appropriate, requires careful economic analysis and a full understanding of the institutional context. This book aims to provide a clear, systematic exposition of important classes of policy issues and strategic considerations and the emerging international consensus on viable approaches to those issues. In each area, the conceptual foundations are developed, key contributions are cited, and illustrations are presented of policies that have worked or not worked. The topics in the early chapters include agricultures role in economic development, the objectives of agricultural policy and strategies, the nature of policy instruments used to fulfil them, and pervasive issues, such as fiscal policy, debates over the role of subsidies, policies for improving conditions of the rural poor, privatisation and the role of legislative frameworks. The following chapters cover the linkages between macroeconomic and agricultural policy, land tenure policies, water management policies, financial system policies and policies for agricultural technology development and dissemination. It also reviews issues related to the formulation of strategies and the requirements for making them successful.