The unstable economic situation of monoculture due to markets and weather conditions has pushed and is pushing the policy makers of the OECS States to adopt a new strategy of agricultural development - crop diversification. The programme of crop diversification varies from island to island and at times crop diversification and import substitution are viewed in the same light. As a result of this new thrust, extension programmes are being oriented to meet this need. However, the implementation of these programmes is hindered by: (a) the high price currently received for bananas; (b) the unavailability of a technological package with a strong economic component; (c) the unsuitability of the programme to meet family goals of a continuous cash flaw; (d) the unwillingness of farmers, especially the young farmers, to invest in crops with long gestation periods; (e) the inability of extension workers to fully internalize the economics of crops with long gestation periods, i.e., discounting techniques, and thus to de1iver an effective programme; (f) the goals of most crop diversification programmes - e.g. to have a certain number of trees planted within a certain time - conflict at times with land capability and land use policy. There is need for a re-examination of crop diversification programmes given their importance to the economy of the islands.