MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
Research on agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa : a critical survey
Bleak economic and agricultural growth and a long-standing decline in per capita food crop production portend discouraging prospects for development in sub-Saharan Africa, the poorest part of the world"s economy.
Eicher, Carl K.; Baker, Doyle C. · 1970
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Abstract
This report surveys available literature on the rural economy (both on- and off-farm) in 41 sub-Saharan countries. In Part I, standard references on African agricultural development are identified and an overview of sub-Saharan Africa"s agricultural systems is presented. Part II covers research on food/agricultural policy in precolonial and colonial times (1800-1960), while Part III reviews policy debates of the 1960"s and 1970"s. Parts IV-VI focus on micro-research on small farmers" crop and livestock production. Part VII reviews research on food and agricultural distribution systems and on credit, cooperatives, consumption, and nutrition. In Part VIII, research on equity and employment issues (income distribution/inequality, population, migration, women in development, small industry, and fishing) is reviewed. A concluding summary highlights the need to jettison current development rhetoric and focus during the next 20-30 years on the fundamentals of agricultural development - structural reform; training scientists; strengthening indigenous educational, extension, and research capabilities; and improving development policies, programs, and projects. Appended are a list of bibliographies and literature reviews, and a 73-page bibliography focusing on the post-1960 period.
