Lower external input farming methods as a more sustainable-solution for small-scale farmers

[摘要] The main aims of this thesis were to assess the sustainability of the original GreenRevolution (GR) farming methods for small-scale farmers in developing countries, toidentify alternative farming methods which may be more sustainable and to commenton the New GR for Africa, currently being promoted by the Alliance for a GreenRevolution in Africa (AGRA). A key element of the thesis was primary research donein India, in order to gather the experience of selected small-scale farmers in thatcountry who had converted from GR to low-external input farming methods. Theexperience of the farmers in India was used to highlight points made in the thesis.Both primary and secondary data were used to inform the study. Firstly, a literaturereview was conducted in order to assess the original GR, identify alternative farmingmethods and gather information on the New GR for Africa. In order to assesssustainability, a framework was developed which defined sustainability at a globallevel and also at the level of the individual small-scale farmer. This framework wasbased on a discussion of sustainable development and the sustainable livelihoodsapproach. Key elements of GR and alternative farming methods were identified andassessed according to this framework. Secondly, primary data was gathered in Indiafrom a group of small-scale farmers who had taken part in a programme by a nongovernmentalorganisation called Dharamitra. The data was collected through semistructuredinterviews and participant observation techniques. This data was used inorder to illustrate points made in the literature review.The study concluded that many elements of farming methods from the original GR areunsustainable, both globally and at the level of the small-scale farmer. The mainfindings were that GR farming methods caused damage to the environment and inparticular made small-scale farmers reliant on external inputs. Alternative farmingmethods which used organic and low external input approaches were found toenhance and preserve the environment, while at the same time being more affordablefor small-scale farmers. The experience of the farmers interviewed in India confirmedthese findings and provided a useful illustration of concepts presented from theliterature review. Lastly, the New GR for Africa was found to present elements of the original GR which are unsustainable for small-scale farmers, especially in terms of thereliance that would be created on external inputs.The study concluded with recommendations around the need to promote farmingmethods to small-scale farmers which promote better care of the environment and arebetter able to promote sustainable livelihoods, namely organic or low external inputmethods. Recommendations were also made regarding the need for further researchinto the influence of AGRA's policies and documentation of sustainable farmingpractices in Africa.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University