Abstract
This article is based on a 2003 case study of the Special Program for Food Security in two dry, upland regions of Honduras and Nicaragua. In particular the research sought to identify factors influencing farmers’ interest in various “best practices” being promoted as alternatives to the use of fire in cropping and ranching systems. The economic feasibility and/or affordability of several of these practices are questionable in light of most farmers’ priorities, risk concerns, or limited resources. The technical feasibility of several of the practices is unclear, at least in the marginal agroecological environments in which most of the farmers in these regions operate. The study highlights the weaknesses of agricultural development initiatives designed without a sufficient understanding of existing agricultural strategies and their purposes. It also reveals the limitations of technological approaches to problems of food insecurity and land degradation, and the need for broader, more integrated rural development strategies. The findings support critiques regarding the biases of many development professionals that may prevent them from giving sufficient attention to local knowledge and perspectives.
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Notes
There appears to be some confusion regarding income levels; another PESA report (PESA, 2003) indicates that US$110 per year is the average household income, rather than the amount per capita.
The Cordoba is the official currency of Nicaragua. US$1 = 15 Cordobas (July 2003).
One manzana (mz) equals 70% of a hectare, or 7,000 square m s.
This was calculated based on the following values: 0–5 years = 0.2 adults, 6–11 years = 0.4 adults, 12–16 years = 0.7 adults, 17–60 = 1 adult, and 61+ = 0.7 adults.
Calves were counted as one-half head.
Lempiras are the official currency of Honduras; US$1 = L17.3 (July 2003).
These possessions include all animals, vehicles, bicycles, televisions and radios in the household’s possession. An estimated average value was assigned to each of these items.
Under the agreement between farmers and the program, the farmers who receive support for establishing and managing a nursery must share planting materials with others in the community.
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Acknowledgements
I gratefully acknowledge the logistical and financial support provided by the Special Program for Food Security that made the research possible. Many staff members in both program areas shared their knowledge and insights with me. In particular, I thank José Luis Vivero for initially contacting me about conducting the research and for subsequently managing much of the logistics involved. Finally, I am grateful to the many farmers in both program areas who openly shared their time, knowledge, and opinions with me.
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Shriar, A.J. In Search of Sustainable Land Use and Food Security in the Arid Hillside Regions of Central America: Putting the Horse Before the Cart. Hum Ecol 35, 275–287 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-006-9088-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-006-9088-z