In 2012, several major trends and challenges have emerged to establish the context for the Platform’s work to tackle poverty and end hunger through sustainable agricultural development, food security and nutrition.

In 2011, Platform members developed new strategies to improve agricultural production, increase access to markets, manage risk, and improve the livelihoods of rural people. The Platform continued its dual role as advocate and knowledge broker.

The Platform’s contribution towards integrating the different approaches being used in agriculture and rural development in 2010 is the reason for the title of this report "Like minds, diverse strengths: Networking together". It outlines how the Platform helped different actors to interact and move towards a more coordinated approach to influencing agendas and tackling rural poverty.

In 2009 the Platform proved that it is delivering on its promises: through information sharing and knowledge management, it supported its members and the entire agriculture and rural development community to better respond to the steadily rising demand of growing populations for agricultural products, including food, fibre and fuel.

In 2008 the Platform advocated strongly for more effective and increased investment in agriculture and rural development (ARD) to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The Third High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF3), held in Accra, in September, was a key event for Platform advocacy.