The Future of Small Farms

Posted: 18 Apr 2011

See all articles by Peter Hazell

Peter Hazell

CGIAR - Environment and Production Technology Division

Colin Poulton

Imperial College London - Centre for Environmental Policy

Steve Wiggins

Overseas Development Institute (ODI)

Andrew Dorward

Centre for Development, Environment & Policy

Date Written: October 1, 2010

Abstract

While smallholder development has, in the past, led to reductions in poverty and hunger, does this still apply in today’s more globalized world? This paper reviews the debates on the contemporary role of agriculture in development and the case for small farms in light of the rise of supermarkets, lower commodity prices and liberalized trade, agricultural research funding, environmental change, HIV/AIDS, and changing policy ideas. Although the answers vary greatly by context, for many low-income countries, smallholder development remains a key option. The policy agenda, however, has changed. In addition to providing public goods, the growing challenge is to overcome market failures, which is largely a matter of institutional innovation.

Keywords: small farm, growth, poverty

JEL Classification: O13, O2

Suggested Citation

Hazell, Peter and Poulton, Colin and Wiggins, Steve and Dorward, Andrew, The Future of Small Farms (October 1, 2010). World Development, Vol. 38, No. 10, pp. 1349-1361, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1808641

Peter Hazell

CGIAR - Environment and Production Technology Division

2033 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
United States

Colin Poulton

Imperial College London - Centre for Environmental Policy ( email )

South Kensington Campus
Exhibition Road
London, Greater London SW7 2AZ
United Kingdom

Steve Wiggins

Overseas Development Institute (ODI) ( email )

111 Westminister Bridge Rd.
London, SE17JD
United Kingdom

Andrew Dorward (Contact Author)

Centre for Development, Environment & Policy ( email )

Thornhaugh Street
Russell Square: College Buildings 541
London, WC1H 0XG
United Kingdom
020 7898 4132 (Phone)

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