Strategies for small farmer development, an empirical study of rural development projects; executive summary

It contains highlights of the report and a summary of findings and their implications for A.I.D. Among findings: Acquisition of knowledge about local circumstances, and the process of involving the small farmer, take time, and A.I.D. sometimes is contrained as regards to time allocated to the project. "Educated" outsiders and short-term consultants can be helpful in certain circumstances, but they are no substitute for an information exchange between the small farmer and the operating project staff. Some projects fail to define clearly what behavioral changes by small farmers are required for successful project completion. Collection of information which guides adjustments in project implementation is required, but that will not save a project which is locked into a rigid and poorly designed format.