As social scientist with more than 14 years’ experience in farming systems research, inclusive market oriented development and innovation approaches, I believe in the potential and opportunities that exist in smallholder dryland systems. My research contributes to better understand the conditions that lock these farming systems in vulnerable states of low production and not reward investments. I search for meaningful improvements in smallholder livelihoods, drawing on my experience in multi-disciplinary and multi-national research projects, my understanding of a diverse range of farming systems, inspired by transformative change theories. My interest is at the interface of research, devel...