PROPOSAL FOR A RESEARCH PROGRAM ON THE PRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

This paper shows the importance of including the social, political, economic, and psychological factors in a study of the creation of agricultural technologies. The dominant paradigm within three disciplines- psychology, economics, and sociology - is examined. Next, a model of structural determination includes socioeconomic and political factors, the research process, and technology's application and/or impact. This model is a much derived from the dominant paradigms as from recent developments in sociological theory, and presents a more comprehensive view of technological change. It is concluded that a larger view of the production of agricultural technology can help research institutions more effectively translate scientific knowledge into useful products.