Conclusions
The physical environments in which rural disabled people are living are not conducive to their freedom of movement and integration into the mainstream of society.
Programmes and facilities for the disabled are concentrated in urban areas, despite the fact that the majority live in rural areas.
Data in the area of disability was found to be largely inadequate and was not segregated by gender.
Integrated education programmes for disabled people are difficult to implement in rural areas.
There are ample opportunities for enhanced participation and integration of rural disabled people in agriculture and agro-industry systems.
Recommendations
In order to further enable the integration of the disabled in agricultural and agro-industry systems, the following recommendations were made:
Actions to bring about changes in attitudes have to be taken.
Safety measures in the use of agricultural machinery must be ensured through improved legislation and improved education and/or training.
Communications between disabled and non-disabled persons must be improved through innovative technologies. The sign language and needs of the deaf and hearing impaired require special attention in this regard.
More attention must be given to the special needs of disabled children in rural schools. The needs of the mentally disabled require special attention.
Development of suitable assistive devices, tools and implements is essential to the integration of disabled persons in agricultural and agro industry systems. Adequate attention must be given to meet the specific needs of disabled women in this regard.
Adequate attention must be given to meet the specific needs of disabled women in this regard.
Appropriate extension approaches and methodologies must be developed and widely disseminated.
