This study examines the state of poverty/hunger research 1975-2008 (ISI Web of Science) and relates this to the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)-WOTRO Science for Global Development Strategy Plan 2007-2010. International studies concerning poverty/hunger (1975-2008) have grown steadily in the fields of Health & Medicine and Development & Planning since 1975, but the most impressive growth is in the field of Environmental Studies. We evaluate the Dutch scientific community's contribution and propose a strategy for agenda setting and monitoring future problem-areas for new research.