Nicaragua's experience with agricultural planning: From state‐centred accumulation to the strategic alliance with the peasantry

Nicaragua's experience in the agricultural sector between 1979 and 1987 shows using planning to achieve state centered accumulation is inappropriate for peripheral nations in transition. Peasant‐based strategies, which make greater use of decentralised market mechanisms are necessary. But these must be used as a tool for social change, not instead of it. Recent Nicaraguan policies seem to be moving in this direction.

Notes

David Kaimowitz recently received his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He gratefully acknowledges the comments of Arturo Grigsby, Michel Merlet, and the editors.