Challenges of Smallholder Farmers in Jamaica: Bridging Perspectives in Agriculture Development
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Date
2024-08-07
Authors
Matheson, Joel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Smallholder farmers constitute a vital component of agricultural systems globally, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food security. This thesis delves into critical issues surrounding agricultural development in Jamaica, focusing on the role of government, education, access to resources, and perspectives on climate change. By foregrounding local viewpoints, this research contributes to the broader discourse in development studies, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive and context-sensitive approaches. Adopting a critical development perspective, this study aims to elucidate power dynamics and structural complexities hindering development efforts.
Conducted as a case study in Jamaica, this research seeks to address several key questions. Firstly, it examines the primary challenges confronting smallholder farmers at the local level. Secondly, it explores the involvement of Development Actors in assisting these farmers on a global scale. Lastly, it investigates the alignment of views between smallholder farmers and Development Actors regarding challenges and solutions.
Qualitative methods, including 17 semi-structured interviews (11 with smallholder farmers and 6 with Development Actors), were employed to gather data. Analysis revealed a notable gap in the literature pertaining to Small Island Developing States, particularly regarding the limited inclusion of smallholder farmer voices in decision-making processes related to agricultural development.
Key themes emerged from the analysis, highlighting a disconnect between the perspectives of smallholder farmers and Development Actors. While both groups acknowledge challenges, disparities exist in their perceived solutions. Effective communication and collaboration between global and local stakeholders are underscored as crucial for addressing these disparities. In the context of Jamaica, recommendations include enhancing the messaging and outreach of Development Actors to better serve the needs of smallholder farmers.
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Keywords
Agriculture Development, Critical Development Studies, Global, Jamaica, Local, Smallholder Farmer