Behaviour and attitudes: a missing link in agricultural science

The thesis of this paper is that 'our' (professionals', scientists', outsiders') behaviour and attitudes are a key missing link for good agricultural science. Unless they are confronted and transformed, as part of a new definition of professionalism, the agriculture of small farmers will not achieve its potential, and the needs of many of the food-insecure of the world will not be met. The argument, set in the context of agricultural science and scientists, has implications also for other development professions concerned with the diversity and complexity of human lives and livelihoods.