The research falls into four interrelated categories: land, water, forestry and environmental change. Land is a crucial resource for poor people in rural areas. The cluster has conducted studies on land reform, property rights, sustainable land use and land conflicts. Water is essential to survival, but poor people too often have no access to clean or otherwise reliable water. Research on water issues includes integrated water management, transboundary institutional development, and the effects of subsidies on the poor and on the sustainable use of resources.

Climate change has put forestry back on the agenda, but there are still many unanswered questions about the impact of forestry management strategies on rural communities. Research on environmental change and the degradation of resources focuses on how to protect the environment while still meeting the needs of the poor.

The cluster is a dynamic group of geographers, economists, sociologists, and public policy specialists. Together, they have regional expertise covering South Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Central Asia.