Peasant farmer in a changing world: a study of the causes and consequences of agricultural development in the Corentyne region of Guyana | The peasant farmer in a changing world: A study of the causes and consequences of agricultural development in the Corentyne region of Guyana

In Guyana, as in other Less Developed Countries, new farming techniques have been introduced to the peasant sector* since the Second World War, by the development policies of the government, and international agencies. The consequent changes in the farming systems are shown by the results of field work in the Corentyne Region of Guyana during 1978 and 1980, and comparison of national data for 1952 and 1979. The traditional farming systems were developed over time by plantation labourers and their families, who sought to secure their food supply and supplement low wages. These traditional systems were adapted to the particular opportunities and constraints of the local environment. Since the Second World War, growing population and unemployment have increased the numbers of people wholly dependent on farming for their livelihood. Although the methods of Crowing foodcrops for household use and the domestic market have remained the same, new techniques have been introduced to increase the production of rice and sugar for export. Investments have been made in large scale drainage and irrigation projects for rice farming. Mechanized cultivation and harvesting of rice have replaced the traditional labour-intensive methods. As a result, farmers have been made more dependent on the import of machinery, fuel, fertilizers and pesticides. Problems in world trading conditions, since the 1973 international oil price rise, have eroded the profitability of rice and sugar exports, and impoverished the farmers. The policies of the national government and international agencies, which concentrate investment in export crops, are seen to be unhelpful to farmers, since more diversified sources of livelihood give better incomes, and greater security to farm households. Farming families are becoming more aware of improved living; conditions in the towns of Guyana, and in more developed countries. Their children seek to migrate from the rural areas to seek white collar jobs and urban comforts. Inequalities of wealth, opportunities and living standards within Guyana, and between the rich and poor nations of the world, have increased despite development efforts.