Agricultural economic research in less developed countries: A farm systems approach

Abstract

Present efforts in agricultural development, at least at pronouncement level, are aimed directly or indirectly at the farmer, but unfortunately the supposed object of all these efforts is the least understood of all elements in development.

Meaningful agricultural development research should emphasise the central position of the farmer within his farming system. The farm systems approach to agricultural development research provides the methodological framework to facilitate such “farmer orientated” research. This article has as its object the introduction of the concept of Farm Systems Research (FSR) as a viable approach to effective research in less developed agriculture. Some thoughts are also expressed on the conduct of agricultural economic research within the FSR approach.

Notes

Agricultural economist: Research and Strategy Planning, Development Bank of Southern Africa. The author acknowledges useful comments by Professor Dave Tapson, Director, ARDRI, University of Fort Hare, Alice.