Farmers planning processes

What does a farmer in the Mono region of Benin and a dairy farmer from the Netherlands have in common? On the face of it, very little except that the survival of the Beninois farmer and his family, and the survival of the Dutch dairy farmer's business, both depend on making the right decisions about whether or not to adopt or invest in a new method of cultivation or some technical innovation.

Two documentary films, the first called Who knows the land, which is about a Beninois farmer, and the second, A day in the country, about a dairy farmer from the Netherlands, open the debate about agricultural innovation in different and evolving knowledge systems. The two films have been combined in a multimedia pack aimed at ail, who are interested in rural development, particularly those from the South.

The material, which is outstandingly well conceived and presented, includes a work book which will help extentionists to lead discussion about the issues. A second instalment encourages more detailed consideration of innovative agricultural ideas.

The package is available in English and French. Governmental and non-governmental organizations and educationalists in developing countries may be entitled to receive a pack free of charge.