AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, FARM MANAGEMENT AND AGRIBUSINESS: COMBINING STRENGTHS AND STRETCHING THE FRONTIERS IN AFRICA / LANDBOU-EKONOMIE, BOERDERYBESTUUR EN AGRIBESIGHEID: GESAMENTLIK VORENTOE IN AFRIKA

Abstract

The focus is on the conference theme in order to provide perspective on the scope of agricultural economics, with special attention to the role of AEASA in the continuing search for greater relevance for agricultural economics, farm management and agribusiness in Africa. The purpose is to indicate flint AEASA can do more to assist members to adapt to changes that are necessary in the private and public sectors. In the first part, five concerns which should be addressed by AEASA are summavised. Then follows an overview, of the scope of the discipline. Thirdly, AEASA's services are analysed, and it is explained how organisation and club theory can be utilised to energise an association. Fifthly, it is discussed how to combine strengths nnd stretch the frontiers, along with a wish list that should place AEASA on the winning road. In conclusion I relate my wishes regarding change in AEASA to the concerns expressed in the first part. If my wishes could be realised, it would lead to meaningful dialogue on the important economic issues that face the agri-food sector and rural areas. More specific proposals for each of the concerns identified, are necessary to determine the expected net benefits for existing and potential members.

Die fokus is op die konferensietema om perspektief te gee oor die omvang van landbou-ekonomie, met spesiale aandng aan LEVSA se rol in die voortdurende soeke na groter relevansie vir landbou-ekorroririe, boerderybestuur en agribesigheid in Afrika. Die doe1 is our aan te toon dat LEVSA meer kan doen om lede te help om aan te pas by veranderinge wat nodig is in bride die privaat en publieke sektore. In die eerste deel word vyf knelpunte opgesom wat deur LEVSA aangespreek behoort te word. Daarna volg 'n oorsig van die omvang van die dissipline. Derdens word LEVSA se dienste ontleed en verduidelik hoe organisasie- en klubteorie gebruik kan word om 'n vereniging lewenskragtiger te maak. Vyfdens word die kombinering van sterkpunte en die verbreding van vakgrense bespreek, tesame met 'n wenslys om LEVSA op 'n sterk groeipad te plaas. In die slot bring ek my wense betreffende veranderinge in LEVSA in verband met die knelpunte aanvanklik genoem. Indien my wense waar sou word, sou dit lei tot betekenisvolle gesprekke aangaande belangrike ekonomiese kwessies wat die agri-voedselsektor en landlike gebiede in die gesig staar. Meer spesifieke voorstelle vir elk van die geidentifiseerde knelpunte is nodig om die verwagte netto voordele vir bestaande en potensiële lede te bepaal.