Sustainable agricultural development in less developed countries

Agriculture is the basic economic activity of the world's poorest countries, and the sustainability of this sector is vital for their overall development. Appropriate agricultural policies in conjunction with research and technology could play an important role in protecting and promoting sustainable agricultural development. In this paper, it is argued that agriculture-related policies should be geared towards providing economic incentives to resource-poor farmers, enabling them to improve their agricultural productivity, income and livelihood without causing environmental degradation, In this regard, research and technology development should be farmer-centred, practical and economical. Emphasis must be placed on raising yields, conserving soils, and lowering costs through improved farm management.