The document discusses macroeconomic challenges and their impact on rural poor populations in three paragraphs. It outlines several known challenges like HIV/AIDS, climate change, and changing supply chains. It also notes some less appreciated challenges like uncertain macroeconomic conditions and the success of urban economies. The implications are that threats from these challenges are uncertain for tomorrow, while poverty and hunger are certain today. It calls for continuing the current agricultural development agenda, strengthening non-farm economies, urban-rural links, and social protection programs. It questions why preparations have not been made for predictable droughts in Southern Africa over the next decade and stresses the importance of resilience and diversification to help populations adapt.

1. Macro-economic Environment & Impact on Rural Poor Steve Wiggins Overseas Development Institute Brussels Rural Development Briefing, Brussels 4th July 2007