Developing innovation systems, rather than technology transfer, can benefit small farmers and promote agricultural development in Africa.

Careful assessment and policies on genetically modified crops could contribute to agricultural development and food security.

Organising research into different types of knowledge can promote decision-making based on evidence from a range of sources.

The Rio+20 Secretariat's analysis of S&T trends and achievements since the 1992 Earth Summit points to ways of accelerating progress.

Technology and scientific research can help communities in the developing world build resilience to disasters.

Scientists can help advance policies to promote agricultural practices that can reduce emissions and boost yields.

City planners can find a way to use existing evidence and deal with uncertainty in designing strategies for climate change adaptation.

Rio+20 is an opportunity to focus on harnessing scientific evidence and good governance to improve the management of water resources.

Learning from experience can help Zambia build on past successes in using ICTs and reach those most in need.

Scientists can help smallholder farmers get more out of their crops in changing food markets.

Climate change adaptation initiatives can be built into water management programmes to protect water resources in Africa.

Planting trees in dryland regions can negatively impact biodiversity, and policies must promote the practice on a smaller scale.

Nutritional interventions can improve health, save lives and boost economic growth but only if implemented before the age of two.

Better land and water management could improve yields and help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change.

Reducing the global burden of HIV/AIDS relies on increased funding, more research and targeted prevention strategies.

Providing more and diverse water storage infrastructure is crucial to securing reliable water supplies in the face of climate change.

Agriculture, forestry and other land uses in Africa can help mitigate climate change while providing co-benefits.

Advice for policymakers in southern Africa on how to improve pesticide use and reduce the risks they pose to human health and the environment.

South–South research collaboration can be a powerful strategy for boosting scientific capacity and achieving common goals. But it should not be embraced uncritically, says Athar Osama.