Agricultural and rural development

This guide is primarily concerned with rural extension and with the livelihoods of
farmers and their families. The concept of rural development must therefore be
considered with particular reference to agriculture, since agriculture is the basis of the
livelihood of most rural families. In the past two decades there has been increasing
emphasis on rural development programmes and projects, and recognition that the
development of rural areas is just as important as the building up of urban, industrial
complexes. Development must have two legs: urban industrialization and rural
improvement.
There are very strong reasons why resources should now be put into rural
development. More than half the people of the world and the vast majority of the
people in developing countries (Asia, Africa and Latin America) live in rural areas
and gain part or all of their livelihoods from some form of agriculture. Most of these
people are also still very poor and dependent on agricultural practices that have
benefited little from modern technology. They live in isolated and often inhospitable
places, with little access to the resources they need to improve their agriculture. Many
lead their lives barely at subsistence level. Solely in terms of numbers of people, there
is a very strong case for giving high priority to rural development.
It can also be argued that agriculture is a vital part of the economy of any country and
that its development is critical to the development of the country's economy as a
whole. This relationship can perhaps be best understood by studying the following
diagram (see p. 4).
Agriculture's important role is one of production, both of food for the rural and the
urban population and of cash crops for the export market, to earn foreign currency. In
this process demand is stimulated for other products and services, and employment
opportunities emerge to absorb the society's work-force. As the cycle develops, the
increasing agricultural production causes an increasing demand for inputs, which
ensure the resources required to maintain the agricultural production. Land is a basic
resource for most countries and the exploitation of that resource in the interest of its
citizens is one of a country's main responsibilities.
rinciples of rural development programmes
Rural development strategies usually take the form of programmes which implement
projects in a specific rural area. Such programmes form the basis of most government
and non-government efforts to assist rural areas, and they include both agricultural
and non-agricultural projects, e.g., maternal and child health programmes. Specialized
staff supply the expertise required, and ministerial or other institutional budgets
provide the necessary financial resources. External aid is also usually channelled into
such programmes in the rural areas.
While this guide does not intend to examine the areas of programme planning or
implementation, it does suggest a number of very broad principles which should be
followed by rural development programmes. The content of these programmes is a
matter for the specialists in the particular field, i.e., agriculture, health or water
supply. It is important, however, for all such programmes to establish beforehand a set
of principles to guide their activities. The following principles are suggested to
implement rural development programmes.
Access. Try to ensure that the programme and its benefits can reach those in need, and
beware of the consequences if some farmers have access to the programme while
others do not.
I ndependence. Devise a programme which helps and supports the farmer but which
does not make him or his livelihood dependent upon the programme.
Sustainability. Ensure that the programme's plans and solutions are relevant to the
local economic, social and administrative situation. Short-term solutions may yield
quick results, but long-term programmes that are suitable to the local environment
have greater success.
Going forward. Technological aspects of rural development programmes should help
the farmer to take the next step in his development and not demand that he take a huge
technological leap. It is better to secure a modest advance which can be sustained than
to suggest a substantial advance which is beyond the ability of most.
Participation. Always try to consult the local people, seek out their ideas and involve
them as much as possible in the programme.
Effectiveness. A programme should be based on the effective use of local resources
and not necessarily on their most efficient use. While efficiency is important, its
requirements are often unrealistic. For example, the maximum use of fertilizer is
beyond the means of most farmers. But an effective use of resources, which is within
the capabilities of most farmers, will have a better chance of a wider impact.