Studies in Comparative International Development

, Volume 23, Issue 3, pp 78–98 | Cite as

Constraints to agricultural production in Africa: A survey of female farmers in the Ruhengeri prefecture of Rwanda

  • Sheron Randolph
  • Rickie Sanders
Article

Abstract

Traditional thinking in development has emphasized the ability of the peasant farm system to adapt or ”restructure” itself during periods of intense population pressure. Adaptation typically takes the form of intensifying the exploitation of existing land and/or expansion of the resource base. This paper takes issue with that assertion and suggests that in the context of rapid social and institutional change, environmental degradation, and rampant increases in population, adaptation cannot be relied on to maintain equilibrium. The basis for the recommendations made here is a survey of 192 women farmers in Ruhengeri prefecture of Rwanda in east central Africa. Findings suggest that (1) Rwanda is experiencing serious demographic and environmental problems; (2) the traditional mechanisms of adaptation can no longer be relied upon to bring about equilibrium; and (3) the women of Rwanda are the conduits of change since they contribute the largest percentage of agricultural labor and have the most responsibility for operation of farms and production of agricultural output. In light of these findings, it is clear that special attention must be focussed on policy initiatives geared toward reducing population growth, facilitating innovation/information diffusion, restructuring the extension service, and reducing gender biases.

Keywords

Density Region Comparative International Development Farm Household Population Pressure Extension Agent 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer 1989

Authors and Affiliations

  • Sheron Randolph
    • 1
  • Rickie Sanders
    • 2
  1. 1.Tennessee State UniversityUSA
  2. 2.Indiana University of PennsylvaniaUSA

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