This manual reviews the regional integration debate for those involved in the preparation of food security strategies as part of programmes for developing countries. The manual is aimed at providing a better understanding of the motivation, processes and constraints to regional integration and cooperation, and at identifying the potential role of these arrangements in promoting food security. It directly addresses issues such as the impact of regional integration on food security in developing countries and how these regional groupings might contribute to promoting food security; how poverty and hunger can be alleviated by regional integration; and the possible opportunities for regional integration to promote food security.