Farming Systems Research, Productivity, and Equity

This chapter presents the broad case for farming systems research as a useful activity aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and equity. It discusses the distinction between technology per se and actual on-farm productivity remains an important distinction, one which must continually be re-emphasized in the agricultural research process if the benefits of agricultural research are to reach the majority of poor farmers in the developing countries. The chapter focuses on farming systems as a relatively inexpensive way to make agricultural research more relevant to farmers&s; conditions. Increasing agricultural productivity also merits attention because it is an effective way of achieving higher incomes. The international agricultural research centers provide genuine economies of scale in the collection, maintenance and development of genetic materials, as well as in the conceptualization of research programs and the training of national research scientists. Farming Systems Research has become almost a fad among development agencies.