As a result of policies outlined under NEPAD, outsourcing advisory services-and sometimes research-has become a key component of knowledge systems in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa. While it is generally thought that outsourcing will benefit resource-poor farmers by orienting services towards their needs, not much is known about the implications of outsourcing or about outsourcing modalities. This Bulletin presents the findings from case studies on outsourcing advisory services in Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda and Mali. The lessons presented here concern the enabling environment at local and national level, demand and supply capacity, changing roles and responsibilities, outsourcing functions and performance of outsourcing systems, as well as the overriding importance of institutional development. Sharing the experiences from the pilot programs presented here, including Uganda's National Agricultural Advisory Services Program, will help guide organizations involved in demand-driven service provision in agriculture or social sectors such as rural health and education.