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Smallholder Agriculture and Inclusive Rural Transformation

Author

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  • RAHMAN, ATIQUR

    (Former Lead Strategist and Senior Policy Coordinator of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).)

Abstract

In spite of the predictions of gradual withering away of small farms in developing countries, they still exist in large numbers. This paper examines the rationale for their persistence, and the opportunities they and rural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) offer for rural and hence overall economic development in the rapidly diversifying rural sectors of developing countries. The paper notes that the urban manufacturing and the services sectors have not been able to create employment in large enough scale to absorb the rural un- and under-employed, and argues that small farmers and rural SMEs with larger and well-managed investments can achieve inclusive rural transformation, i.e. help these countries to achieve zero poverty and hunger (Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2), promote growth and take the countries beyond the “Lewis turning point.”

Suggested Citation

  • Rahman, Atiqur, 2017. "Smallholder Agriculture and Inclusive Rural Transformation," Bangladesh Development Studies, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), vol. 40(1-2), pages 119-147, March-Jun.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:badest:0809
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Smallholder Agriculture; Economic Efficiency of Small Farms; Persistence of Small Farms; Small and Medium Enterprises; Inclusive Rural Transformation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General

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