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Ag econ angst crisis revisited

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  • Robin Johnson
  • George E. Rossmiller
  • Frances Sandiford‐Rossmiller

Abstract

The present paper was inspired by and is a response to the Rola‐Rubzen, Hardaker and Dillon paper ‘Agricultural economists and world poverty: progress and prospects’ (Rola‐Rubzen et al. 2001). It is agreed that the position of agricultural economists in foreign aid and poverty programs has declined over recent decades. Such a feeling of guilt and remorse expressed by the above authors does indeed create considerable ‘angst’. A major reason for this state of affairs lies in ‘the flavour of the month’ approach of the development agencies. These include women in development, gender‐based farming systems research, household nutrition and food security, people participation, and targeting the poorest of the poor. These fads have driven disciplinary considerations to the wall and the more widely‐defined objectives have reduced the drive for economic efficiency. We argue there is still a place for better designed and delivered assistance programs within the wider framework of assistance that has become fashionable. Greater application of institutional principles in both the political processes associated with assistance and the implementation agencies would improve the outcomes of many projects. Particular attention would need to be given to the interface between the development agencies and recipient governments. The present paper picks up on the market failure aspects of agriculture's rather poor contribution to development, and develops a wider perspective in terms of the new institutional economics and a continuing role for the agricultural economist.

Suggested Citation

  • Robin Johnson & George E. Rossmiller & Frances Sandiford‐Rossmiller, 2003. "Ag econ angst crisis revisited," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 47(2), pages 261-274, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajarec:v:47:y:2003:i:2:p:261-274
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-8489.00212
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David K. Leonard, 1993. "Structural Reform of the Veterinary Profession in Africa and the New Institutional Economics," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 24(2), pages 227-267, April.
    2. Rola-Rubzen, Maria Fay & Hardaker, J. Brian & Dillon, John L., 2001. "Agricultural economists and world poverty: progress and prospects," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 45(01), pages 1-28.
    3. T Vernimmen & W Verbeke & G van Huylenbroeck, 2000. "Transaction cost analysis of outsourcing farm administration by Belgian farmers," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 27(3), pages 325-345, September.
    4. Marsh, Sally P. & Pannell, David J., 2000. "Agricultural extension policy in Australia: the good, the bad, and the misguided," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 44(4), pages 1-23.
    5. Ian Carruthers & Jonathan Kydd, 1997. "The Development And Direction Of Agricultural Development Economics: Requiem Or Resurrection?," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(1‐3), pages 223-238, January.
    6. Buchanan, James M, 1975. "A Contractarian Paradigm for Applying Economic Theory," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 65(2), pages 225-230, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Schreinemachers, Pepijn & Berger, Thomas, 2006. "Simulating Farm Household Poverty: From Passive Victims to Adaptive Agents," 2006 Annual Meeting, August 12-18, 2006, Queensland, Australia 25479, International Association of Agricultural Economists.

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