In Search of Sustainable Land Use and Food Security in the Arid Hillside Regions of Central America: Putting the Horse Before the Cart |
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Authors: | Avrum J Shriar |
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Institution: | (1) L.D. Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, Virginia Commonwealth University, 923 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284–2028, USA |
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Abstract: | This article is based on a 2003 case study of the Special Program for Food Security in two dry, upland regions of Honduras
and Nicaragua. In particular the research sought to identify factors influencing farmers’ interest in various “best practices”
being promoted as alternatives to the use of fire in cropping and ranching systems. The economic feasibility and/or affordability
of several of these practices are questionable in light of most farmers’ priorities, risk concerns, or limited resources.
The technical feasibility of several of the practices is unclear, at least in the marginal agroecological environments in
which most of the farmers in these regions operate. The study highlights the weaknesses of agricultural development initiatives
designed without a sufficient understanding of existing agricultural strategies and their purposes. It also reveals the limitations
of technological approaches to problems of food insecurity and land degradation, and the need for broader, more integrated
rural development strategies. The findings support critiques regarding the biases of many development professionals that may
prevent them from giving sufficient attention to local knowledge and perspectives.
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Keywords: | Food security soil conservation political ecology agricultural research and extension local knowledge rural development |
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