This could raise total agricultural output in developing countries by 2.5-4%, which could in turn reduce the number of hungry people in the world by 12-17%. Research commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also shows that by increasing women’s participation in smallholder sourcing and support programmes, international food companies can improve crop productivity and quality, grow the smallholder supply base, and improve access to high-value markets (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 2010). The sub-sectors of agricultural education and research and forestry had a particularly strong focus on gender equality. Technologies such as fuel-efficient stoves or motorised scooters and other time-saving products are particularly important.