Performance of Low External Input Technology in Agricultural Development 73farming communities; its adoption exhibits patterns similar to those of conven-
tional agricultural technology. In addition, the diffusion of the technology from
farmer to farmer is often slow. Finally, despite the fact that LEIT is promoted as an
approach to farming rather than as a particular technology, there are very few
examples where LEIT efforts have served as a spark to ignite further individual
innovation or group action.
These conclusions provide further evidence that there are no easy answers for
improving the welfare of poor rural households. Although certain technologies are
more appropriate than others for resource-poor farmers, time and resource con-
straints – as well as the demands and opportunities of off-farm income – limit the
degree to which low-input farming can make important contributions to the poor-
est households. This implies a more realistic approach to policies for rural poverty
reduction and full consideration of the role of non-agricultural opportunities.
Where agriculture is important for household livelihoods, technology-specific,
project-based strategies are inadequate. Much more attention is required for infor-
mation provision and the development of broad-based organizations that allow
farming households to gain access to the widest possible range of innovations.
Acknowledgements
The research summarized in this paper was managed by: Michael Richards, Laura
Suazo (Honduras); Catherine Longley, Nelson Mango, Wilson Nindo, Caleb
Mango (Kenya); Mahinda Wijeratne and V. Hiroshini Piyadasa (Sri Lanka). The
research was supported by the UK Department for International Development
(DFID), whose support is gratefully acknowledged. Initial summaries of the stud-
ies were presented at a workshop in London in June 2004, and the contributions
of workshop participants helped to sharpen the analysis. The useful comments of
two anonymous reviewers are also acknowledged.
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