Réflexions méthodologiques sur les études de développement agricole

The aim of this article is to try to work out a general pattern for the survey of agricultural development problems. To be realized, a development proposal must meet two types of conditions. First those of rationality : the development proposal must respect all the constraints likely to determine development natural environment, land tenure structures, human, economic and technical factors. Moreover, to be accepted, a development proposal must be worked out by those concerned. This is the justification for the advisory approach based on the participation of all those concerned. After defining in detail a method based on pure rationality we propose to integrate it in a group study. The analytical phase enables the groups concerned to be aware of their situations and the factors which may lead to its improvement. A non-directional discussion, completed by sectorial surveys, are the main means used. The phase dealing with the setting up of those orientations is carried out in meetings between the farmers concerned, and advisory technicians, respecting the rationality constraints resulting from the analytical phase.