Agriculture, Mechanisation and Land Tenure

In: The journal of development studies: JDS, Band 27, Heft 1, S. 43-53

Abstract

Based on a review of the literature, it is contended that the meaning or bias of new techniques depends on the social structure within which the new technology is applied. Using agricultural production as a case in point, it is shown that in certain structures, high-yielding technologies increase the demand for labor, provide additional income for small farmers, & lower relative food prices. In others, however, the poverty-reducing impact of similar technology is significaantly blunted. In this context, the theory of induced technical innovation seems to lose much of its meaning. 2 Figures, 16 References. Adapted from the source document.