Is integrated rural development a suitable approach to attack rural poverty? The economics of agricultural progress: an outline. Basic needs oriented development policy: a rough outline (3 papers)
Ruthenberg, H.
Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture 20(1): 6-39
1981
Document Number: 313464
These three articles have been edited or annotated by various colleagues. The first article (pp. 6-14, in English) concludes that while criticism of technology-oriented development programmes is justified, the concepts of integrated rural development generally put forward by international agencies and donors are generally too complex to be realistic. The second article reviews (in German pp.15-30) the benefits derived from agricultural research, the time lag in its implementation and the economies of scale in large international research operations. The agricultural economist's task is much concerned with the practicability of innovations, particularly those affecting developing countries. The final paper (also in German pp.31-39) is based on a draft discussion paper for the GFR Ministry of Development Cooperation. It suggests that the basic needs approach was a strategy aimed at the situation in the early 1970s and does not take account of the need for efficient economic measures at the beginning of the third development decade. The basic needs suggestions on full employment imply a step backward in the light of current findings. The scarce resources available will do more good if used for supplying services such as drinking water rather than if they are redistributed to the poorest. The concept is considered more applicable to centrally planned economies.