Oxfam calls on G8 to increase aid to poor farmers

Alpert said agricultural investment must include the poor who live in marginalised areas and it was important that donors and governments filled the gap left by the private sector.

"Despite perceived low returns on investing in marginalised areas by donors and the private sector, investing in developing country agriculture pays for itself by reducing poverty," she said, adding that it also boosted income and local economies.

"A healthy agricultural sector acts as a multiplier in local economies, leading eventually to higher wages and vibrant rural markets where farmers and workers spend their earnings."