Mainstreaming Research Commercialization for Sustainable Development‟

Abstract

The agricultural revolution for development study is a historical survey that evaluates the role of agriculture in mainstreaming players in the industry. The present study was premised on the background that besides societal transformations that accompanied agricultural revolution it set in motion a broad spectrum of social exclusion since Neolithic period. The overall objective assessed agricultural revolution for development and social inclusivity. Specific objectives examined the nature and dynamics of agricultural revolution, challenges to agricultural revolution and social integration and examination of measures for social inclusion to enhance sustainable agricultural development. The study was informed by articulation of mode of production theory. The researcher applied historical and descriptive research designs. Data collection instruments involved observations and semi-structured interviews. Primary data entailed visiting archaeological sites to observe ancient agricultural tools, while secondary data involved documentary analysis, journals, theses, books, professional magazines, reports, internet, published and unpublished sources. The gathered data was analyzed qualitatively. The study findings were as follows: agricultural revolution excluded women, youths, people with disability, the poor, technological transformation, and divided society into owners of the means of production and the farm workers. Agricultural serfdom attitude of the medieval period influenced the role of the youths and agriculture trained professionals in regard to practicing agriculture. Finally agricultural revolution has been a vehicle for knowledge, industrial revolution, human, plant and animal domestication. The study recommends broad-based policies that capture social inclusivity, bottom-up approaches, affordable and appropriate technological innovations that are in tandem with consumer needs. Agricultural social inclusion is a catalyst to sustainable agricultural revolution for rural and urban development.