The chapter explores how rural aspirations influence livelihood decisions and the effectiveness of development programs. Traditional agricultural technologies often fail to reach the poorest rural households, as many smallholder farmers rely on mixed income sources beyond farming. The authors argue that aspirations—the hopes and ambitions of rural communities—play a crucial role in shaping investment decisions and should be considered as an entry point for development planning.
Using SenseMaker, the study examines the complex trade-offs rural households face between farming and non-farming livelihoods. Findings suggest that some households seek to "step up" in agriculture, aiming for profitable technologies, while others focus on "stepping out", using farming as a safety net while pursuing non-agricultural careers. Additionally, gender dynamics influence aspirations, with rural women often taking on greater farm management roles due to male outmigration.
The study underscores the importance of engaging with aspirations in development planning, arguing that rural development programs should be designed to align with the actual needs and aspirations of target populations rather than assuming uniform agricultural interest. It advocates for bottom-up approaches that incorporate local perspectives into policy and program designs to improve outcomes.
Using SenseMaker, the study examines the complex trade-offs rural households face between farming and non-farming livelihoods. Findings suggest that some households seek to "step up" in agriculture, aiming for profitable technologies, while others focus on "stepping out", using farming as a safety net while pursuing non-agricultural careers. Additionally, gender dynamics influence aspirations, with rural women often taking on greater farm management roles due to male outmigration.
The study underscores the importance of engaging with aspirations in development planning, arguing that rural development programs should be designed to align with the actual needs and aspirations of target populations rather than assuming uniform agricultural interest. It advocates for bottom-up approaches that incorporate local perspectives into policy and program designs to improve outcomes.
Año de publicación
2025
Autores
Idioma
English
Palabras clave
rural development, small scale farming, livelihoods, diversification, appropriate technology, innovation adoption, agricultural production, community involvement, gender analysis
