Income Diversity, Technology Choice and Agricultural Research Policy in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract

This article makes an initial analysis of the implications of income diversification for technical change and agricultural research policy in Africa, leading to two insights. First, that the dilution effect of income diversification means that, as the proportion of non‐farm income increases, so must the expected gains from adopting a new agricultural technology. Second, that diversified producers will face disproportionately large transactions costs associated with information acquisition to inform technology choice decisions. Two hypotheses about how diversified producers are likely to react are then explored. Both point to the conclusion that income diversification among the poor is likely to constrain significantly the direct poverty impacts of agricultural research. The policy implications of these findings are then considered.

Livelihood diversification and moneylending in a Rajasthan village: what lessons for rural financial services?

“…Thus, rather than being a distinct and separate entity, agricultural finance is part of what should be livelihoods finance; financial service provision that recognises and addresses the differential combinations of farm and non-farm activities undertaken by rural households. Sumberg et al (2004) note that the debate is not so much about the existence of rural livelihood diversification, but rather its extent. The debate should now move on from considering its extent, to confronting its range and diversity.…”

“…Such work included: a range of livestock-related activities; tasks for the cultivation, harvesting and storage of crops; the collection of wood for sale; help with the collection of grain payments for certain caste services; a number of paid domestic chores undertaken for other households in the village. Thus, as Sumberg et al (2004) describe for Sub-Saharan Africa, rural livelihood diversification in this village has been going on for decades.…”

“…Sumberg, Gilbert and Blackie (2004) note the extended presence of the former in rural Africa and Jones (1994) outlines the long tradition of the latter in pre-colonial India. Furthermore, both do not simply persist.…”

A review of evidence, agreements, concepts and tools relating to participatory agricultural research

“…The typology proposed by Neef and Neubert, 2011, was developed after a comprehensive analysis of the shortcomings of earlier attempts by Sumberg et al, 2003;Sumberg et al, 2004. Their framework recognises that increasingly participatory approaches and conventional research are creatively and effectively combined (Pound et al, 2003;Lilja and Bellon, 2008).…”

Plant Breeding in Sub-Saharan Africa in an Era of Donor Dependence

“…There is not only a mix of food staples, but farmers will also usually maintain a portfolio of varieties that individually do not meet all the production and consumption objectives, but together ensure subsistence requirements under risk (Minot et al 2007). This diversification reduces the potential returns to the use of improved practices for particular commodities and more generally inhibits farmer interest in increasing agricultural productivity (Sumberg and Blackie 2004).…”