The Last Generation of "Peasants"
is Approaching
by Frithjof Kuhnen
For a long time, the "peasant" ("Kleinbauer")
has been the centre of interest in discussions on Third World
agriculture. While he has hardly been defined satisfactorily,
and, indeed, exists in various species on the different continents,
the majority of all agricultural activities lies in his hands,
and he is the target of most agricultural development policies.
Still - considering ail the variations between countries and
regions - it appears that, today, we are experiencing the
last generation of peasants. There will be a long period of
transition, but it is necessary to consider, at an early stage
already, the possible consequences and the alternatives for
the future.
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