Westward Thrusts the Pioneer Zone in Venezuela: A Half Century of Economic Development Along the Llanos‐Andes Border

Abstract

Abstract. Observations in the Llanos‐Andes border area of Venezuela were summarized by the writer in the Geographical Review in 1932 and again in 1956. After further held investigations in 1982, he chronicles some of the changes that have taken place during the last quarter century, collates observations made over the last halt century, and places this major physiographic boundary zone in a broader national context. Several coactive factors are in large measure responsible for the rapid thrust westward of the pioneer zone along the Llanos‐Andes border: highway construction has proceeded apace, public education and health services have been introduced, and large government credits and subsidies have been made available to farmers and ranchers with large holdings. Many colonists have been provided with titles to small holdings on frontier land. New technologies are being introduced in agriculture and animal husbandry as well as in mining and industry. From this position of strength, the country should gradually be able to supply the domestic demand for staple foodstuffs.