Increasing the ability of farmers to compete in the market |
| |
| Authors: | AW van den Ban |
| |
| Institution: | Gen. Foulkesweg 82A, Wageningen, the Netherlands Phone: +31 (0)317 412748 E-mail: avandenBan@planet.nl |
| |
| Abstract: | Abstract Competition among farmers is increasing. There are large differences between countries in labour productivity in agriculture, and in the rate of change in this productivity. This has resulted in a decrease in prices of farm products. Only those farmers who manage to increase their productivity more than that of their competitors will be able to continue to earn a living from farming. In this process extension services have two roles (1) helping farmers to increase their productivity, and (2) helping farm families, who are no longer able to compete, to find other sources of income. The first role requires that considerable attention is paid to developments in the markets. The second role has received so far little attention, although it is important for the welfare of the family. However, in countries with a limited growth outside agriculture it is difficult to perform this role adequately. |
| |
| Keywords: | Public sector agricultural extension Extension reform Privatization Decentralization Sector and institutional pluralism |
|
|
