Emerging issues
The spectre of HIV/AIDS
The rapid expansion of HIV/AIDS appears to be having a crippling effect on rural
economies. VLS can help assess:
-
What are its implications for rural agriculture?
-
What will its impact be on food security ?
-
What are the consequences of diverting household resources to health care?
-
How do farmers cope with the resulting labor constraints ?
Globalization of farming
The liberalization of input and product markets has improved the welfare of some
farmers and worsened that of others. VLS studies are needed to identify:
-
Who is benefiting and who is losing, and why?
-
Are rural markets in the SAT any more integrated than they were 20 years ago?
-
What are the consequences of increased private sector investment in cash crops?
|
|
|
Eminization of Agriculture
With increasing feminization of SAT agriculture, the need arises to assess:
-
How are remittances, income levels, and agricultural investments affected by the growth and decline of the wage economy?
-
What are the constraints faced by women?
-
What are the opportunities of improving their welfare?
Rural poverty and food security
-
The SAT houses 1/6th of the world’s population, many of whom live in absolute poverty
-
Half the population is involved in agriculture
-
Therefore, agriculture serves as a strategic intervention point for reducing poverty
Environmental concerns
How is the sustainability of rainfed agriculture influenced by rising population levels and market integration?
Water management
How do rising water costs, water scarcity, and declining water quality affect investments in crop choice, productivity, and food security?
|
Coping mechanism
-
What are the coping mechanisms appropriate for marginal environments in the light of persistent droughts?
-
What are the credit opportunities available to farmers?
Combating pest and desease
-
What is the impact of increased chemical use on human health?
-
How do farmers cope with loss of biodiversity?
|
|
|