This book makes a compelling case for reintegrating structural
issues into agricultural and rural development policies, which have for
the last 30 years over-focused on short-term issues. It shows how the
liberalization of agriculture in many late developing countries has not
in fact led to the development of the vibrant rural non-farm economy,
nor has it led to a large-scale integration of agricultural producers
into the global economy. Despite these findings, the book draws
optimistic conclusions: there are a clear set of policy priorities
that, if adapted to individual country contexts, can facilitate an
enduring and productive rural transformation.
The book is based on an in-depth seven-country study that surveyed
8,000 rural households. It specifically focuses on these
households’ activity and income structures in an evolving
agricultural context marked by liberalization and trends of increasing
economic integration. In doing so it reviews the very different levels
(and trajectories) of rural diversification among countries at various
stages in the structural transformation process.
Based on its investigation of existing rural realities, the book
suggests several policy orientations. These include a clear need to
focus on staples and family agriculture, to engage in targeted
development strategies at the regional level, and to pursue a policy of
'territorial development' that promotes strong rural-urban
linkages at the level of rural localities, towns and districts.
'The value of this book is in reminding us of the importance
of structural change and the role played by agriculture, as well as
alerting us to the risks we face if we deny the realities of
demographics, of the marginalization of small producers, and of the
lack of inclusiveness of public policies. For Africa, the immediate
future will be stable only if we fight against the political
expropriation of the rural majority and if we can take economic
advantage of the current strength of its population: its youth.
Structural Transformation and Rural Change Revisited helps us to think
about these issues and therefore to act intelligently.'
— Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO,
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development
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