RURAL SERVICE CENTERS IN IRAN - A CASE-STUDY

In order to serve small farmers, Rural Service Centres have been established in Iran since 1980. A case study has been made to investigate the achievements and problems of the program in 11 centres of Marvdasht townships, Fars Province. The study reveals that Rural Service Centres have provided some essential services to farmers but have not had a significant impact on resource productivity. To increase the impact of service centres, more financial resources, more competent personnel and a strengthening of the employees' incentive to work in rural areas are required. © 1991.