Develop High-Payoff Inputs
More recent agricultural development theory builds on these earlier approaches but adds the important dimension that the process can be accelerated through provision of new and improved inputs and technologies (particularly improved seeds. fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems). This approach, articulated by Schultz in Transforming Traditional Agriculture, is based on the idea discussed in Chapter 7 that farmers in traditional agriculture are rational and efficient given their
current resources and technologies.5 What these farmers need are new high-payoff inputs and technologies to increase their productivity.