Profiles of Basotho Farmers. Part I: Images of Basotho Farmers. Part II: Are the Basotho Subsistence Farmers. Part III: Progressive Farmers in Lesotho

摘要

Understanding the complex characteristics of Basotho farmers - who are resilient but who also resist introduction of new crops, tools, or techniques - is necessary if development planning for Lesotho's agricultural sector is to be effective. This report characterizes Basotho farmers through three essays entitled Images of Basotho Farmers, Are the Basotho Subsistence Farmers, and Progressive Farmers in Lesotho. All three studies elucidate the relationship between previous assumptions and present policy. It is uncertain that these programs can effectively disseminate new methods or produce widespread benefits in the agricultural sector. Indeed, they may create social disparity and thus impede agricultural development. Reliance on the inherent hardiness of the Basotho farmer and his highly developed local institutions represents a sounder basis for future sector development.