Finding the key to successful farmer settlement: Dependency versus independency models

Abstract

The successful settlement of farmers in South Africa has once again focused the attention on the relative importance of capacity building (education) for long-term independency and technology transfer (advisory) for the immediate purpose of increased production, that does not promote independency. This paper discusses the alternatives regarding the major focus or intention of extension and their acceptability before it proceeds to analyse some reputeably successful development projects against these development principles. Preliminary findings are that production success is directly related to the dependency model of extension or development and that successful sustainable agricultural development is mainly limited to situations where highly favourable conditions pertain.



SA Jnl. Agric. Ext. Vol. 33 2004:1-19