EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF RESOURCE USE ON FARMS AND THE WELFARE OF FARM PEOPLE

Studies evaluating efficiency of resource use on farms and farmer welfare have commonly failed to specify the precise nature of problems often described in terms such as 'low-income'. Hence superior, alternative welfare and resource use positions, of interest to the policy formulator, are inadequately specified. Additionally, criteria used in these studies have often been invalid or inappropriate. This paper examines the theoretical and operational bases of efficiency and welfare criteria.