Prioritization of technological development goals for poverty alleviation through sustainable and diversified agriculture

Though positive impacts on rural development can be observed in diversified agriculture, statistical indicators have shown that agricultural diversification in Asian countries has stagnated over recent decades. Technological development is a dominant factor in determining the extent of diversification. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 259 respondents in eight Asian countries to establish the respondents priority of technological development goals that will potentially enhance agricultural diversification. The expected impacts of realizing these developments are also analyzed. The results showed that the development of pest tolerant crop varieties as well as economical measurements to improve soil fertility are given the highest priority among the 15 Research and Development (R&D) topics surveyed. Significant differences are observed among the responses received from researchers, extension staff and farmers, which indicate that awareness gaps regarding technological development exist among these stakeholders. Further efforts are necessary to formulate R&D activities to meet the demands of the farmers; the users of the technologies.