During the past 25 years, population growth has increased faster than agricultural output in Sub-Saharan Africa, causing increased food insecurity and environmental degradation. This paper identifies and assesses agricultural policies and investments made by African governments and international aid agencies in order to review the successes and failures of these actions. Five major areas of activity have been identified that can significantly expand agricultural growth and address food security and natural resource management objectives: - Undertaking macroeconomic and agricultural policy reforms needed to make agriculture profitable - Developing and disseminating improved agricultural technology - Enabling farmers to participate more widely in managing all aspects of agricultural development - Developing physical and social infrastructure in rural areas - Improving the management of natural resources. The authors' message is intended for governments and international aid agencies that will have to adapt these strategies to each country's varying circumstances.