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Infrastructure and technology constraints to agricultural development in the humid and subhumid tropics of Africa:

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  • Spencer, Dunstan S. C.

Abstract

Green Revolution technologies have not been widely adopted in Africa. What are the chances that they will play a major role in the near future? This paper shows that the enabling infrastructure, especially rural roads and irrigation systems are not likely to be in place in the humid and sub-humid tropics of Africa in the next 20-30 years. Consequently a typology of the more appropriate set of technology that is input and infrastructure efficient, has high returns to seasonal labor and is sustainable is presented. Research institutions should be geared up now to produce them for use in 10-20 years.

Suggested Citation

  • Spencer, Dunstan S. C., 1994. "Infrastructure and technology constraints to agricultural development in the humid and subhumid tropics of Africa:," EPTD discussion papers 3, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:eptddp:3
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    Cited by:

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    2. Diao, Xinshen & Hazell, Peter & Thurlow, James, 2010. "The Role of Agriculture in African Development," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 38(10), pages 1375-1383, October.
    3. Massoud Karshenas, 2000. "Agriculture and Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia," Working Papers 106, Department of Economics, SOAS University of London, UK.
    4. Escobal, Javier, 2005. "The Role of Public Infraestructure in Market Development in Rural Peru," MPRA Paper 727, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. Akin L. Mabogunje, 2004. "Framing the Fundamental Issues of Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," CID Working Papers 104, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    6. Author-Name: Jeffrey D. Sachs & John W. McArthur & Guido Schmidt-Traub & Margaret Kruk & Chandrika Bahadur & Michael Faye & Gordon McCord, 2004. "Ending Africa's Poverty Trap," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 35(1), pages 117-240.

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