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Not All About Farming: Understanding Aspirations Can Challenge Assumptions About Rural Development

Author

Listed:
  • Kai Mausch

    (World Agroforestry (ICRAF))

  • Dave Harris

    (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
    Bangor University)

  • Luke Dilley

    (World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
    Akita International University)

  • Mary Crossland

    (Bangor University)

  • Tim Pagella

    (Bangor University)

  • Jules Yim

    (Cognitive Edge)

  • Emma Jones

    (Cognitive Edge)

Abstract

Rural development is a political topic in which debate has been more focussed on externally identified needs than on demands or aspirations of the rural population and polarised between the attractions of urban income earning opportunities and the importance of rural farming communities for national food provision. The heterogeneity of local aspirations and their implications for development have barely been considered. We explore the aspirations of residents of three contrasting regions in Kenya that vary in their agricultural and off-farm potential. We argue that opportunities are a major framing influence on aspirations but there is important, and routinely overlooked, diversity within the communities which could inform future options for effective development. We outline how development initiatives could be redesigned to align more closely with aspirations. However, aspirations are a complex concept and, while our approach offered novel insights, these would be enriched when combined with household survey data.

Suggested Citation

  • Kai Mausch & Dave Harris & Luke Dilley & Mary Crossland & Tim Pagella & Jules Yim & Emma Jones, 2021. "Not All About Farming: Understanding Aspirations Can Challenge Assumptions About Rural Development," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(4), pages 861-884, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:33:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1057_s41287-021-00398-w
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-021-00398-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Frederick Amon-Armah & Nana Akua Anyidoho & Isaac Alvin Amoah & Sander Muilerman, 2023. "A Typology of Young Cocoa Farmers: Attitudes, Motivations and Aspirations," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 35(4), pages 770-793, August.
    3. Mallawaarachchi, Thilak & Rahut, Dil Bahadur, 2023. "Realising rural economic transformation: Pathways to inclusive and sustainable prosperity in post-COVID-19 Asia," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 1076-1082.
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