Four fifths of the developing world’s food is produced on about half a billion small farms. Smallholder farmers live and earn their livelihoods in the world’s most ecologically and climatically vulnerable landscapes and they are at the forefront of the world’s efforts to deal with climate change and environmental degradation. Yet they are themselves among the poorest and least food secure people on earth. This proceedings document draws on the discussion that took place during the thirty-fifth session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development's (IFAD) Governing Council’s meeting held in February 2012. The panel discussions focused on developing innovative ways to address the many overlapping issues regarding the promotion of sustainable smallholder agriculture.