13 pages, via online journal, In recent years there has been a great deal of interest in farming systems research (FSR) as a means of getting formal research and extension systems to work with and respond to the needs of resource-poor farmers. However, the results of many FSR programmes have been disappointing. This paper reviews a number of ‘successful’ FSR activities and argues that the development and use of research approaches and methods cannot be separated from the political, economic and institutional context in which they were developed and used. A closer examination of some of the new FSR methods shows that an understanding of the specific context in which these activities were developed and used is essential to understanding the potential relevance of the methods/approaches to other circumstances. A lack of an historical perspective concerning the source and advocacy of new FSR approaches and methods is one of the reasons why many FSR programmes in the past have given rise to disappointing results.
Burfisher, M. E. (author) and Horenstein, N. R. (author)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1983
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 103 Document Number: C08933
Notes:
B. L. Green shields & M. A. Bellamy (Eds.), Rural development: growth and inequity, contributed papers read at the 18th International Conference of Agricultural Economics. Aldershot, Hants, England: Gower. 161-165.
Butler, Lorna Michael (author), Murray, Helene (author), and Murray: Coordinator, Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN; Butler: Extension Anthropologist, Washington State University, Puyallup, WA
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 97 Document Number: C08026
search through journal, Research and extension personnel are beginning to look for new strategies to involve more farmers and the non-farm public in their programs. Two approaches we have used are whole farm case studies (WFCS) and focus groups. WFCS in Oregon and Washington led to several research and educational programming ideas that are currently being pursued in both states. A focus group to study water quality, nitrate leaching and farming practices in Skagit County, Washington is one outcome of the WFCS process. It is made up of 16 people, including farmers, university personnel, members of environmental groups, and government representatives. We review these two complementary participatory strategies for systems-oriented sustainable agriculture research and education programs. Both have been very useful for building problem-solving partnerships between the land-grant universities and agricultural and environmental constituents in our area. Noteworthy outcomes include: complementary applied on-farm and experiment station research; farming systems analysis; public education; new linkages with environmental and agricultural interest groups; additional grant funds to address identifies priority issues; and interdisciplinary teams that cut across the biological and social sciences and include diverse citizen representation. (original)
Butler, Robert O. (author), Compton, J. Lin (author), Johnson, Sam H., III (author), Kellogg, Earl D. (author), Pribble, Carolyn M. (author), and Swisher, Marilyn E. (author)
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1984
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 97 Document Number: C07983
Notes:
cited reference, In: C.B. Flora, ed. Proceedings of the Farming Systems Research Symposium, 1983. Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University, 1984. p. 887-898.
Byers, Gillard Thomas E. and Bulla, Grasiano (author)
Format:
Proceedings
Publication Date:
1988-10-09
Published:
USA: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: KerryByrnes1 Document Number: D01302
Notes:
Kerry J. Byrnes Collection, pages 13-24 in Proceedings of farming Systems Research/Extension Symposium hosted by the University of Arkansas and Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development, Fayetteville, Arkansas, October 9-12, 1988. Farming Systems Research Paper Series, Paper No. 17. 395 pages
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: KerryByrnes1 Document Number: D01316
Notes:
Kerry J. Byrnes Collection, pages 363-368 in proceedings of farming systems Research/Extension Symposium hosted by the University of Arkansas and Winrock International Institute for Agricultural Development, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Farming Systems Research Paper Series, Paper No. 17
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: KerryByrnes4; Folder: Presentations at Professional Meetings File Document Number: D01619
Notes:
Kerry J. Byrnes Collection, Annual Farming Systems Research/Extension Symposium, 21 pages.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: KerryByrnes1 Document Number: D01286
Notes:
Kerry J. Byrnes Collection, United States Agency for International Development. A.I.D. evaluation special study, no. 67. 43 pages., A.I.D.'s experience with farming systems research and extension (FSR/E) has been mixed. FSR/E projects have provided opportunities for developing country professionals to acquire training and field experience in this new approach to research. However, most projects have bot had the impact on technology development and transfer or institutionalization of FSR/E as had been assumed in project designs. This report, based on a case study review of evaluations of 12 A.I.D.-funded projects, synthesizes the Agency's experience with FSR/E from the mid-1970's to the mid-1980's and assesses the impact of these projects on agricultural development.
