INTERPAKS, Suggests the development of a farming systems approach for use by on-farm advisors in the developing world. Outlines procedures which could form the basis of a low-cost method of improving the effectiveness of farm-level advice in isolated areas with little recourse to institutional farming systems research organizations.
Guither, Harold D. (author / University of Illinois)
Format:
Book chapter
Publication Date:
1983
Published:
USA: Iowa State University Press. Ames
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 104 Document Number: C09047
Notes:
In David E. Brewster, Wayne D. Rasmussen, & Garth Youngberg (Ed.): Farms in Transition: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Farm Structure. Iowa State University Press. Ames. 1983. 87-101.
INTERPAKS, Examines some examples of technology unsuited to farming systems in the less developed countries. Examples include the introduction of tractors in East Africa and certain aspects of mechanizing rice production in Asia. Examples are also given of some promising developments of indigenous technology in Asia and West Africa. Attention is also drawn to some of the undesirable effects of both national and international policies on mechanization transfer, especially when it is linked to foreign aid. Notes that institutional barriers, arising from existing structures for aid, trade and education, can impede the development and spread of more appropriate technologies in the less developed countries. Indicates that appropriate technology for a given situation, whether imported or locally developed, can be considered to be a particular form of technology which is in harmony with the prevailing socioeconomic conditions and management expertise. Emphasizes that machine compatibility with its working environment is just as important as its function. Indicates that this will require a new approach to training and education of engineers and technologists in the less developed countries, and that such experts will play a greater role in the planning and execution of schemes using mechanization.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 51 Document Number: C00488
Notes:
AgComm teaching; see ID C00478, In Williams, R.D. (ed.). Communication of weed science technologies in developing countries. Proceedings of a symposium sponsored by the International Weed Science Society and Weed Science Society of America, February 10, 1983. St. Louis, Missouri. (pp.141-148). Corvallis, Oregon: International Plant Protection Center, Oregon State University.
