Nevertheless, criticisms levelled against such practices, particularly in the context of the ‘Green Revolution’, have to be borne in mind: these include the promotion of monocultures and the loss of genetic diversity; as well as increased dependence on factors that may be ecologically harmful and unaffordable for poor farmers (. fertilisers). Where the correlation between poverty and landlessness is strong, the benefits of improved productivity are often skewed towards land-owning farmers. The equity impacts of increased productivity and incomes are thus often ambiguous. It cannot, therefore, be assumed that increased farm output alone will create sufficient income opportunities for the rural poor and reduce pressure.
