A Horticulturist's View of International Agricultural Strategies

Abstract

Abstract Each country has its own agricultural strategy, based on many interrelated factors—e.g., its own natural and human resources, system of government policies, contribution of agriculture to the economy, and trade relations with other countries. No country can afford to claim complete self-sufficiency in its agricultural production. Furthermore, agricultural strategies are related to strategies in other sectors—e.g., population, education, industry, energy, transport, etc. Because of the complexity of the subject, this paper will concentrate on the factors to be considered in determining an agricultural strategy. It will also examine some of those factors as they relate to horticultural development strategies for some of the Middle East countries. Prior to addressing the main topics of this paper, however, a brief description of the World Bank and its role in agricultural development for member countries is in order.