The challenges of smallholder farming

Publication date: 23/11/2020
Extent: 30 pages

Contributions by: Steve Wiggins, Overseas Development Institute, UK

Chapter synopsis: This chapter starts by discussing the features of small-scale farming, indentifying family management and labour as its hallmark. The considerable differences of geography, economic and social circumstances among smallholder farms are explored. These suggest that while some smallholdings can provide living incomes for their owner-operators, many cannot, so that small-scale farming in such cases needs to be combined with off-farm enterprise and employment. Small-scale farms face two strong challenges: overcoming failures in markets for inputs and financial services; and meeting the requirements of emerging supply chains. Policies for small-scale family farms are proposed: starting with those that benefit all farmers; then policies applying especially to smallholders; and finally policies for marginalised smallholders. In conclusion, much of what needs to be done to promote agriculture in general and small-scale farming in particular is relatively straightforward and feasible – given political will and funding.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2020.0080.01