Recent signs of increasing agricultural production in a number of countries in sub-Saharan
Africa are by some commentators connected to local level differentiation. This paper
discusses such interpretations using household level longitudinal data from smallholder
households in eight African countries for the period between 2002 and 2008. The use of a
mixed methods social science approach complements traditional economic approaches
through adding a spatial perspective. Pro-poor agricultural growth so far is concentrated to
particular villages, where it is highly inclusive. The policy challenge remains to devise
strategies that can enhance growth also in marginal areas.