Forty years of agricultural development

Abstract

I propose to use this occasion to share some of my thoughts on changes that have taken place in international agricultural development since I became involved in such development four decades ago. My involvement has been with universities, where I taught economic development; with foundations, where I participated in the beginnings of the "Green Revolution .. ; and with intemationaJ agencies, such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization {FAO), where I learned about problems of institutional development, and the World Bank. where I learned something about investment I have also worked with many governments and farm groups throughout the world. My experience culminated with my 12 years as Director of Agriculture and Rural Development at the World Bank and, more recently, with my work as a Fellow at the World Resources Institute. Much of what I have to say is influenced by my experience at these two institutions.