Kabore, Joseph (author) and Director, Services Agricoles, Upper Volta
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1980
Published:
India
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 95 Document Number: C07403
Notes:
INTERPAKS, In: V. Kumble (ed.). Proceedings of the International Symposium on Development and Transfer of Technology for Rainfed Agriculture and the SAT Farmer, August 28 - September 1, 1979. Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, 1980. p. 231-233., Identifies the need for a code or framework for the transfer of technology. Discusses the necessity of such a framework to strengthen the capacity of developing countries for organizing and receiving new techniques and improving access to technology at prices all can afford. Identifies the establishment and development of facilities for technical and in-service training in the countries themselves as prerequisites for the efficient and durable transfer to technology. Notes that new technologies must be assimilated, modified, and adapted to conditions peculiar to each country. Discusses fact that agricultural research carried out in developed countries involves means of production that have nothing in common with those of the small farmer of Upper Volta. Stresses that scientists are needed who can assimilate the people's everyday problems and work out a realistic research program that will raise the technological level of the farmer.
INTERPAKS, Summarizes the main issues involved in acquisition of technology for production in Africa. Focuses attention on the areas of concern covered which are of importance for each sub-sector of production in industry and agriculture.
INTERPAKS, This paper is concerned with the transfer of post-harvest technologies to small farmers as part of the total rural development effort. Post-harvest systems needs to be tailored to the needs of the people it serves. Professional development technicians and politicians are now paying increased attention to small farmer problems, characterized as having limited access to productive services, technical assistance, income and political influence. The job of improving the welfare of small farmers through the transfer of technologies to reduce post-harvest losses is difficult; the small farmer is not usually a likely candidate to adopt innovations, assuming they are available and appropriate, since he cannot afford the inherent risk. Recent studies also suggest that low adoption rates are the result of the new technologies being appropriate for small farm situations and hence an alternative approach - that of adjusting production and distribution technology to the social and economic system of a given rural area - is gaining some acceptance. The problem of increasing income and food production, and improving nutritional levels on small farms, must be approached from a base of existing farm systems, in terms of applying appropriate, practical post-harvest technological innovations, In addition, an improved agricultural extension or technical assistance systems is considered essential for transferring the appropriate pos-harvest technologies to small farmers. Several step are suggested as a means to solving this problem, and a possible plan of action is outlined.
