Increased Productivity and Commercialisation of Non-Estate Agriculture

Series: Agriculture & Food Security

This study provides a critical overview of materials available on the diversification on non-estate agriculture. It attempts to draw out and to weigh the issues that are at stake from a policy standpoint. It sets off from the macro policy context in which the discussion is located. It examines technical and production constraints on diversified crop production, and demand constraints that exist in the domestic market. The main thrust of its argument, however, concerns export marketing. The involvement of experienced commercial firms is emphasised as is the need for a management model that can harness small producers to meet the specialised needs of these export markets. Attention is also drawn to the tension between increased growth and welfare needs of the rural population.