Introduction to Agricultural Issues

Understanding the agricultural sector of the economy in Less Developed Countries (LDCs) is crucial if we are to appreciate many of the problems and opportunities associated with economic and human development. In the Rural Life and Agriculture Tour you visit four destinations where you are confronted with a number of development issues. Each issue is looked at in a self contained way and where appropriate linked in with the relevant economic theory.

Destination 1 Monze a rural village

• The Importance of Small Scale Agriculture
• Rural Lifestyles
• Rural Urban Migration
• The Role of Women
• The Impact of Drought on Poverty

Destination 2 Kasame a rural village

• The Vicious Cycle of Poverty
• Self-sufficiency
• Low Productivity of Traditional Farming Methods
• Land Tenure
• Government Policy on Land Tenure
• Government Intervention in the Maize Market
• The Impact of Farming on the Environment

Destination 3 Terranova Estate:a large scale commercial farm

• Introduction to large scale agricultural production
• Coffee production in Zambia

Destination 4 Non traditional small scale farm in Lusaka

• Introduction to non traditional agriculture
• Vulnerability to market conditions
• The global cut flower market