| Rural development projects in Africa attempt to overcome obstacles to economic growth and agricultural development through introducing changes in peasant production relations and rural economies. In many cases, peasant producers appear to resist project goals, causing project failures. This study argues that the historical and geographical particularity of peasant producers creates conditions that frustrates projects. The priorities of the projects are those of outsiders, not peasants. A variety of factors are presented to assist in the analysis of peasant communities.;The study of two large scale rural development projects in Liberia offers a case study in the relationship between projects and peasant producers. From the experiences of the Liberian projects and the analysis present of peasant producers, suggestions are offered for the establishment of projects that incorporate peasant priorities and participatory mechanisms into project plans. |
