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| The problems faced by poor farmers in developing nations exist at all phases of crop production. Seed varieties, soil quality, drought, pests, disease, adequate technologies, education, storage and distribution make up the complex set of variables that can mean success or failure for a farmer. |
| It is not sufficient for farmers in poor countries to grow only subsistence food for their families. They must also produce crops to sell for income to lift their families out of poverty. Moreover, production of so-called "cash crops" such as cotton, coffee, tea, and so forth, is also necessary to create employment for many rural people. |
| Important scientific advancements have recently been made in crop production for environments plagued by disease, drought, pests and poor soil. However, getting that information and technology to the farmers is a challenge because of access and affordability, particularly in Africa. |
| Yields from traditional varieties are often very low and newer varieties have sometimes not been improved to perform well in poor soil, drought conditions or under attack from pests and disease. Farmers also need a better understanding of issues such as crop rotation, application of fertilizers (so as not to overuse them), methods of integrated pest management which do not rely on overuse of pesticides or herbicides (which create environmental problems). Appropriate training, access to the technologies, and funding for research is really needed. |
| Better agricultural production in developing countries creates the jobs and income that lift people out of poverty. |
For more information about these issues, please follow the links below.
- FAO - AGRICULTURE
FAO's agriculture site offers a wide range of information on world wide agricultural issues.
www.fao.org/ag/
- USDA
The USDA is a government agency responsible for conducting research in a range of areas including human nutrition and new crop technologies. It also helps ensure open markets for U.S. agricultural products and provides food aid to needy people overseas.
www.usda.gov
- INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL CENTRE
IAC builds capacity for sustainable development in the agriculture, food, rural development and natural resources management sectors.
www.iac.wur.nl/
- Intermediate Technology Development Group (ITDG) PRACTICAL ACTION - AGRICULTURE AND BIODIVERSITY
ITDG aims to demonstrate and advocate the sustainable use of technology to reduce poverty in developing countries. They advocate for the conservation, management and development of agricultural biodiversity.
www.itdg.org/?id=global_commons
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