Geography

Demand-led and poverty-oriented ... or just subcontracted and efficient? Learning from (semi-) privatized technology transfer programmes in Chile

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In the search for alternatives to state-managed agricultural research and extension, there has been much interest in assessing the pros and cons of, and the mechanisms for, varying forms of private sector involvement. One experience of privatization that has received much attention has been that of Chile, which has the most privatized and market-oriented national system for technology transfer in Latin America. This paper suggests that this Chilean experience reveals both advantages and also limits of voucher and contract-based forms of privatization of rural services, and demonstrates that there continues to be an important role for state investment and coordination alongside private sector involvement. It also suggests that there is only limited evidence that this form of privatization has had a positive impact on farm incomes or on enhancing the extent to which services are demand led. The paper also notes that there have been very special circumstances in Chile that have helped consolidate this model. Attempts to transfer the model elsewhere ought therefore to be made with caution. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication Title

Journal of International Development

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Volume

10

Issue

1

First Page

17

Last Page

34

ISSN

0954-1748

DOI

10.1002/(SICI)1099-1328(199801)10:1<17::AID-JID427>3.0.CO;2-I

Keywords

technology transfer, privitization, private sector, farm income, poverty, Chile

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS