The framework seeks to integrate farmers with researchers, scientists, cooperatives and extension services in order to generate the kinds of knowledge that was crucial for their improved performance. This framework, promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, is based on the recognition that knowledge of relevance to agricultural development has several sources and linkages. These factors have changed the face of agricultural development and rendered it intricately linked to global economic trade and knowledge capabilities of countries, but also focused the associated emphasis on the inability of economic growth to address the food security needs of the poor clearer than ever before.