In South Asia, a large proportion of the poorest people depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, so farm-based initiatives are important. However, it is increasingly recognised that most low-income households buy some or all of their food in markets. Even farm households frequently buy some of their foods in markets and dependence on markets for obtaining food is even greater for rural non-farm, landless and urban households. In addition, public agencies often acquire food for distribution to low-income households through markets.