2d) Agricultural development is one aspect of rural development
The functions of agriculture in the development process,
as outlined in the last chapter, indicate that agricultral
development cannot take place without a simultaneous development
of other sectors. This holds true fur industry and services,
as well as for non-agricultural parts of the rural sector.
Even is it starts there, rural development goes far beyond
agricultural development and,, in accordance with the system
concept, includes all aspects. For instance, in many overpopulated
countries, a more favourable land-man ratio, which is necessary
for increasing agricultural productivity, cannot be attained
by the physical extension of the farms. Here, the possibilities
lie in the application of improved technology and better management
systems. This, again, is a function of development in non-agricultural
fields of the rural area, i.e. training, research, and marketing
facilities. Othe rexamples could be quoted. While the important
fields involved in and to be incorporated into the rural development
policy will be dealt with the subsequent chapter, two will
be mentioned here already because of their importance:
- Agricultural development depends on a suitable framework
of institutions which have to be created or adapted to the
requirements. These include administration, communication,
market, credit and extension services, at village, regional
and national level.
- Land tenure is one of the utmost importance for the prospects
of agricultural development because it restricts access
to land and to other resources, and leads to underutilization.
It determines the power^structure and the incentive to produce,
save, and invest, and restricts mobility. We all are aware
of the difficulties of changing the existing land tenure
system, which can be-successfully accomplished only if it
is accompanied by a reform of land management and by the
supply of supporting services like credit, marketing, and
extension. It should also be understood that land reform
is a permanent process. There is no ideal land tenure system,
but only one adapted
to the social, econmic, and political situation, and, as
this is changing, land tenure has to be adjusted constantly.
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