Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
number are subject to change by governments or even individuals. A few are even very
inexpensive and have significant impact. We will examine some of the factors that can
be modified and have been shown to have a positive impact on agricultural production.
11.5.1 Transport
The ability to move raw or processed foods from the farm to the consumer is an essential
link in the food supply chain. From the farmer's point of view, a good, all-weather road
is needed to transport fertilizers and seed from the stores to the farm. A good road is also
needed to carry the harvest or mature animals to market. In some areas of the Andes,
similar to the area of Octavio Tip´n, farmers regularly band together to repair roads
leading into their valleys so that commercial truck drivers can drive to their fields
and purchase the harvest. If the roads are too rough or difficult, the drivers will pass
them by and go to other valleys to buy produce. Then they are faced with the unpleasant
task of carrying their produce out of the valley on horseback or on their own backs.
An obvious limitation of poor road infrastructure is seen in Figure 11.3. The type of
locally constructed bridge shown is barely adequate for a light vehicle. There is no
possibility for a fully loaded truck to cross this bridge. This effectively cuts off
farmers from supplies and markets.
The importance of a transportation network was verified by a study of the relation-
ship of roads and electricity on agricultural production in 83 countries.
7
This study
verified that two of the most important types of infrastructure needed for high agricul-
tural production are transportation and electricity. The high density of roads in an area
gives residents access to information both in print and presented in stores and field
demonstrations. Better transportation obviously gives farmers low-cost access to
inputs such as fertilizer and chemicals needed for crop production and to distant
markets for sale of their produce.
11.5.2 Markets
Efficient markets are directly related to agricultural productivity. The existence of
well-functioning markets help farmers acquire and use improved production inputs
and to sell their products.
Figure
11.3.
Poor transportation networks limit markets.
