While entitlement protection is intrinsically a short?term task, building flexible and effective response mechanisms is a long?term one. So a more comprehensive research agenda is needed – especially in the context of countries/regions characterised by low and varying yields and with limited opportunities for trade with the rest of the world. A case is, therefore, made for prioritisation of agricultural research, a pivotal role for the private sector and expansion of technology. Institutions matter a great deal, as ownership and access rights to natural resources (land, water) can have a significant impact on incentives to adopt sustainable agricultural options.