This presentation summarizes the long term research activities of the SANREM project "Watershed-based NRM for Small-scale Agriculture" from 2004-2009. Research findings highlight the role of national institutions such as national research and extension systems, participatory learning based in trust, the useful applications of watershed modeling, a need to focus on risk and efficiency in working with smallholders and the importance of developing forward and backward linkages in the market to translate scientific advancements into improved livelihoods.