Michael Canares is a Ford Foundation International Fellow. He is currently based in Bangkok where he works as researcher for the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. An Msc Development Studies graduate of the London School of Economics, he has worked as assistant professor and development facilitator in the Philippines and also has a considerable amount of experience working with local government units in the country, more particularly in the Central Visayas. His research interests include participatory local governance, poverty reduction and sustainable rural livelihoods.