Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-tj2md Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-24T06:53:10.789Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Institutional Considerations in Strengthening On-farm Client-Oriented Research in National Agricultural Research Systems: Lessons from a Nine-Country Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

D. M. Merrill-Sands ,
S. D. Biggs ,
R. J. Bingen ,
P. T. Ewell ,
J. L. McAllister  and
S. V. Poats
D. M. Merrill-Sands
Affiliation:
International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), PO Box 93375, 2509 AJ, The Hague, Netherlands
S. D. Biggs
Affiliation:
International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), PO Box 93375, 2509 AJ, The Hague, Netherlands
R. J. Bingen
Affiliation:
International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), PO Box 93375, 2509 AJ, The Hague, Netherlands
P. T. Ewell
Affiliation:
International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), PO Box 93375, 2509 AJ, The Hague, Netherlands
J. L. McAllister
Affiliation:
International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), PO Box 93375, 2509 AJ, The Hague, Netherlands
S. V. Poats
Affiliation:
International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), PO Box 93375, 2509 AJ, The Hague, Netherlands
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

Many national research systems have launched major on-farm research efforts aimed at generating relevant technologies for resource-poor farmers, but institutional and policy factors have often hindered the effectiveness of these efforts. Experience has shown that on-farm research, linking farmers, researchers, and technology transfer agents, poses special organizational and managerial challenges. Institutional innovations and strong policy commitment are needed if on-farm research is to succeed in meeting the needs of resource-poor farmers. Sound research methods alone are not sufficient.

This paper reviews key policy, organizational and managerial considerations for integrating on-farm client-oriented research as an effective and stable component of national agricultural research systems. It summarizes the findings of a major study sponsored by the International Service for National Agricultural Research on institutional factors affecting the performance and sustainability of such research systems. The conclusions are based on the systematic analysis of over 25 discrete on-farm research efforts in nine developing countries. The objective is to provide research managers, on-farm researchers and on-farm research advisors with concrete and practical insights for strengthening on-farm research and its contribution to the generation and transfer of relevant technologies.

Integración de la investigación de granja con los sistemas nacionales

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 27 , Issue 4 , October 1991 , pp. 343 - 373
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Abalu, G., Mutsaers, H. & Faye, J. (eds) (1988). Farming Systems Research in West Africa: Proceedings of the West African Farming Systems Research Network Workshop, Dakar, Senegal, 10–14 03 1986.Google Scholar
Abedin, M. Z. & Chowdhury, M. (1989). Organisational and managerial innovations for research and extension linkages in Bangladesh. Paper presented at the International Workshop ‘Making the Link between Agricultural Research and Technology Users’ held at The International Service for National Agricultural Research in The Hague,Netherlands,November 20–25, 1989.Google Scholar
Aldrich, H. (1979). Organizations and Environments. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.Google Scholar
Arnold, H. & Feldman, D. (1986). Organisational Behavior. New York: McGraw-Hill.Google Scholar
Ashby, J. (1990). Small-farmer participation in the design of technologies. In Agroecology and Small Farm Development (Eds Altieri, M. and Hecht, S.). Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press.Google Scholar
Avila, M., Whingwiri, E. & Mombeshora, B. (1989). Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Five On-Farm Research Programs in the Department of Research and Specialist Services, Ministry of Agriculture. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Baker, D. & Norman, D. (1988). A framework for assessing farming systems activities in national settings in West Africa: With special reference to Senegal, Nigeria, and Mali. In Farming Systems in West Africa: Proceedings of the West African Farming Systems Research Network Workshop, 10–14 03 1986, Dakar, Senegal. Ottawa, Canada: International Development Research Centre (IDRC).Google Scholar
Biggs, S. (1982). Generating agricultural technology: triticale for the Himalayan Hills. Food Policy 7:69–82.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Biggs, S. (1983). Monitoring and control in agricultural research systems: Maize in Northern India. Research Policy 12:37–59.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Biggs, S. (1985): A farming systems approach: Some unanswered questions. Agricultural Administration 18:1–12.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Biggs, S. (1989). Resource-Poor Farmer Participation in Research: A Synthesis of Experiences in Nine National Agricultural Research Systems. OFCOR Comparative Study Paper, No. 3. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Biggs, S. & Gibbon, D. (1985). Agricultural research to help poor people in developing countries. In Occasional Paper No. 28, 7–28. School of Development Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.Google Scholar
Bingen, R. J. & Poats, S. (1990). Staff Management Issues in On-Farm Client Oriented Research. OFCOR Comparative Study Paper, No. 5. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Bourgeois, R. (1990). Structural Linkages for Integrating Agricultural Research and Extension. ISNAR Working Paper, No. 35. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research.Google Scholar
Budianto, J., Ismail, I., Sridodo, , Sitorus, P., Tarifans, D., Mulyadi, A. & Suprat, . (1988). Indonesia: Organization and Management of On-Farm Research in the Agency for Agricultural Research and Development. Mimeo.Google Scholar
Byerlee, D. (1988). Food for Thought: Technological Challenges in Asian Agriculture in the 1990s. Background paper prepared for the Conference of Asia and Near East Bureau's Agricultural and Rural Development Officers,USAID,19–24 February,Rabat, Morocco.Google Scholar
Byerlee, D. & Tripp, R. (1988). Strengthening linkages in agricultural research through a farming systems perspective. The role of social scientists. Experimental Agriculture 24:131–151.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Byerlee, D. et al. (1980). Planning Technologies Appropriate to Farmers: Concepts and Procedures. El Batan, Mexico: CIMMYT.Google Scholar
Byrne, K. (1989). A Review of A.I.D. experience: Farming systems research and extension projects, 1975–1987. Center for Development Information and Evaluation, A.I.D. Evaluation Highlights, No. 4, 06, 1989: Washington: US Agency for International Development.Google Scholar
Cernea, M., Coulter, J. & Russell, J. (eds) (1985). Research–Extension–Farmer: A Two-Way Continuum for Agricultural Development. Washington, DC: The World Bank.Google Scholar
Chambers, R. & Jiggins, J. (1987) Agricultural research for resource-poor farmers. Part I: Transfer of technology and farming systems research. Agricultural Administration and Extension 27:35–52.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chambers, R., Pacey., A. & Thrupp, L. (eds) (1989). Farmer First: Farmer Innovation and Agricultural Research. London: Intermediate Technology Publications.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
CIMMYT & ISNAR. (1984). Issues in Organization and Management of Research with a Farming Systems Perspective Aimed at Technology Generation. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Collinson, M. (1982). Farming Systems Research in Eastern Africa: The Experiences of CIMMYT and Some National Agricultural Research Services: 1976–1981. Michigan State University International Development Paper, No. 3. East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University.Google Scholar
Collinson, M. (1986). On-Farm Research and Extension Institutions. Agricultural Administration (Research and Extension) Network, Discussion Paper, No. 17. London: Overseas Development Institute.Google Scholar
Collinson, M. (1987). Farming systems research: Procedures for technology development. Experimental Agriculture 23:365–386.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Collinson, M. (1988). The development of African farming systems: Some personal views. Agricultural Administration and Extension 29:7–22.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cuellar, M. (1990). Panama: Un Estudio del Caso de la Organizacion y Manejo del Programa de Investigacion en Finca de Productores en el Instituto de Investigacion Agropecuaria de Panama. OFCOR Case Study, No. 8. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Dertouzous, M., Lester, R. & Snow, R. (1989). Made in America: Regaining the Productive Edge. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press.Google Scholar
Ewell, P. (1988). Organization and Management of Field Activities in On-Farm Research: A Review of Experience in Nine Countries. OFCOR Comparative Study Paper, No. 2. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Ewell, P. (1989). Linkages between On-Farm Research and Extension in Nine Countries. OFCOR Comparative Study Paper, No. 4. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Faye, J. & Bingen, J. (1989). Senegal: Organisation et gestion de la Recherche sur les Systems de Production, Institut Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Frankenberger, T., Finan, T., Dewalt, B., McArthur, H., Hudgens, R., Flora, C. & Young, N. (1989). Identification of results of farming systems research and extension activities: A synthesis. In Culture and Agriculture, No. 38, Spring/Summer 1989, 8–11.Google Scholar
Fresco, L. (1984). Issues in farming systems research. Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Sciences 32:253–261.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Galbraith, J. R. (1977). Organizational Design. Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Welsley.Google Scholar
Gamser, M. (1988). Innovation, technical assistance, and development: The importance of technology users. World Development 16:711–721.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gibbon, D., Thapa, H. & Rood, P. (1989). The Development of Farming Systems Research in Nepal: the Working Group as the Focus of Interdisciplinary Activity. Paper presented at the ninth annual FSR/E Symposium,University of Arkansas,Fayetville,October 8–11, 1989.Google Scholar
Gilbert, E. (in press). Financial Resources and Management for On-Farm Client-Oriented Research: A Review of Experiences in Nine Countries. OFCOR Discussion Paper. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research.Google Scholar
Hage, J. & Aiken, M. (1969). Routine technology, social structure and organizational goals. Administrative Science Quarterly 14:366–377.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Harrington, L. (1989). The Role of Social Science in Farming Systems Research and Development. Paper presented at the Experts Symposium/Workshop on Farming Systems Research and Development,Los Bãnos, Philippines,6–8 November 1989.Google Scholar
Heinemann, E. & Biggs, S. (1985). Farming systems research: An evolutionary approach to implementation. Jounral of Agricultural Economics 36:59–65.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hildebrand, P. & Poey, F. (1985). On-Farm Agronomic Trials in Farming Systems Research and Extension. Boulder, Colorado: Lynne Rienner Publishers.Google Scholar
Horton, D. (1984). Social Scientists in Agricultural Research: Lessons from the Mantaro Valley Project, Peru. Ottawa: International Research Development Center (IDRC).Google Scholar
Jabbar, M. & Abedin, M. (1989). Bangladesh: The Evolution and Significance of On-Farm and Farming Systems Research in the Bangladesh Research Institute. OFCOR Case Study, No. 4. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research.Google Scholar
Kayastha, B., Mathema, S. & Rood, P. (1989). Nepal: A Case Study of the Organization and Management of On-Farm Research. OFCOR Cast Study No. 3. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Kean, S. & Singogo, L. (1988). Zambia: A Case Study of the Organization and Management of the Adaptive Research Planning Team (ARPT), Ministry of Agriculture and Water Development. OFCOR Case Study, No. 1. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Kean, S. & Singogo, L. (1990). Research-Extension Liaison Officers in Zambia: Bridging the Gap between Research and Extension. OFCOR Discussion Paper, No. 1. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research.Google Scholar
Lawrence, P. & Lorsch, J. (1967). Organization and Environment. Homewood, Illinois: Richard D. Irwin.Google Scholar
Martinez, J. & Arauz, J. (1984). Developing appropriate technologies through on-farm research: The lessons from Caisan, Panama. Agricultural Administration 17:93–114.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Martinez, J. & Sain., G. (1983). The economic returns to institutional innovations in national agricultural research: On-farm research in IDIAP, Panama. CIMMYT Economics Program Working Paper 04/83. Los Baños, Mexico: CIMMYT.Google Scholar
Maurya, D. M., Bottrall, A. & Farrington, J. (1988). Improved livelihoods, genetic diversity and farmer participation: A strategy for rice breeding in rainfed areas of India. Experimental Agriculture 24:311–320.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Maxwell, S., (1986). Farming systems research: Hitting a moving target. World Development: 65–77.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Merrill-Sands, D. (1986). The Technology Applications Gap: Overcoming Constraints to Small-Farm Development. FAO Research and Technology Paper, No. I. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).Google Scholar
Merrill-Sands, D. & Kaimowitz, D. (1990). The Technology Triangle: Linking Farmers, Technology Transfer Agents, and Researchers. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research.Google Scholar
Merrill-Sands, D. & McAllister, J. (1988). Strengthening the Integration of On-Farm Client-Oriented Research and Experiment Station Research in National Agricultural Research Systems: Management Lessons from Nine Country Case Studies. OFCOR Comparative Study Paper, No. 1. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Merrill-Sands, D., Ewell, P., Biggs, S. & McAllister, J. (1989). Issues in institutionalizing on-farm client-oriented research: A review of experiences from nine national agricultural research systems. Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture: 279–300.Google Scholar
Mintzberg, H. (1983). Structure in Fives: Designing Effective Organizations. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.Google Scholar
Norman, D. (1980). The Farming Systems Approach: Relevancy for Small Farmers. MSU Rural Development Paper, No. 5. East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University.Google Scholar
Norman, D. (1983). Some problems in the implementation of agricultural research projects with a farming systems perspective. Farming Systems Support Project Networking Paper, No. 3. Gainesville, Florida: University of Florida.Google Scholar
Norman, D. (1989). Accountability: A dilemma in farming systems research. Culture and Agriculture 38.Google Scholar
Norman, D. & Collinson, M. (1985). Farming systems approach to research in theory and practice. In Agricultural Systems Research for Developing Countries (ed. Remenyi, J.). Canberra: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).Google Scholar
Norman, D., Baker, D., Heinrich, G. & Worman, F. (1988). Technology development and farmer groups: Experience from Botswana. Experimental Agriculture 24:321–331.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ortiz, R., Ruano, S., Juarez, H., Olivet, F. & Meneses, A. (1991). A New Model for Technology Transfer in Guatemala: Closing the Gap between Research and Extension. OFCOR Discussion Paper, No. 2. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Pardey, P. & Roseboom, H. (1988). A global evaluation of national agricultural research investments. In The Changing Dynamics of Global Agriculture: A Seminar/Workshop on Research Policy Implications for National Agricultural Research, 163–178. (ed. Javier, E.). The Hague: ISNAR/DSE/CTA.Google Scholar
Peters, T. & Waterman, R. (1984). In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America's Best Run Companies. New York: Warner Books.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pineiro, M. (1989). Generation and transfer of technology for poor, small farmers. In Technology Systems for Small Farmers: Issues and Options, 45–68. (ed. Kesseba, A.). Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press.Google Scholar
Roling, N. (1990). The agricultural research–technology transfer interface: A knowledge systems perspective. In Making the Link: Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer in Developing Countries. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press (in collaboration with the International Service for National Agricultural Research).Google Scholar
Rhoades, R. & Booth, R. (1982). Farmer-back-to-farmer; A model for generating acceptable agricultural technology. CIP Social Science Department Working Paper 1982–1. Lima, Peru: International Potato Center (CIP).Google Scholar
Ruano, S. & Fumagalli, A. (1988). Guatemala: Organización y Manejo de la Investigación en Finca en el Instiluto de Ciencia y Tecnología Agricolas (ICTA). OFCOR Case Study, No. 2. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Shaner, W., Phillips, P. & Schmehl, W. (1982). Farming Systems Research in Development: Guideline for Developing Countries. Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press.Google Scholar
Shumba, E. & Fenner, R. (1989). Linking research and extension through on-farm research and demonstrations: The Zimbabwe experience. Paper presented at the International Workshop ‘Making the Link between Agricultural Research and Technology Users’ held at the the International Service for National Agricultural Research in The Hague,Netherlands,November 20–25, 1989.Google Scholar
Soliz, R., Espinosa, P. & Cardoso, V. (1989). Ecuador: Un Estudio de Caso de la Organización y Manejo del Programma de Investigaciones en Finca de Productores (PIP) en el Institute de Investigaciones Agropecuarias. OFCOR Case Study, No. 7. The Hague: International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR).Google Scholar
Sompo-Ceesay, M. & Gilbert, E. (1989). Special issues for small countries in making the link between research and technology users: The case of The Gambia. Paper presented at the International Workshop ‘Making the Link between Agricultural Research and Technology Users’ held at the The International Service for National Agricultural Research in the Hague,Netherlands,November 20–25, 1989.Google Scholar
Souder, W. (1980). Promoting effective R & D marketing interface. Research Management 23(4): 10–15.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stoop, W. (1987). Issues in Implementing Research with a Farming Systems Perspective in NARS. ISNAR Working Paper, No. 6. The Hague: The International Service for National Agricultural Research.Google Scholar
Sutherland, A. (1986). Extension Workers, Small-Scale Farmers, and Agricultural Research: A Case Study in Kabwe Rural, Central Province, Zambia. Agricultural Administration (Research and Extension) Network Discussion Paper, 15. London, UK: Overseas Development Institute.Google Scholar
Sutherland, A. (1987). Sociology in Farming Systems Research. Agricultural Administration (Research and Extension) Network, Occasional Paper 6. London, UK: Overseas Development Administration.Google Scholar
TAC (Technical Advisory Committee, Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) (1990). A possible expansion of the CGIAR. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization, 09, 1990. Mimeo.Google Scholar
Tripp, R. & Wooley, J. (1989). The Planning Stage of On-Farm Research: Identifying Factors for Experimentation. Mexico, DF: CIMMYT and CIAT.Google Scholar
Tripp, R., Anandajayasekeram, P., Byerlee, D. & Harrington, L. (1990). Farming systems research revisited. In Agricultural Development in the Third World, 384–399. (eds. Either, C. and Staaz, J.). Baltimore and London: The Johns Hopkins University Press.Google Scholar
Wolf, E. (1986). Beyond the Green Revolution: New Approaches to Third World Agriculture. Worldwatch Paper, No. 73. Washington, DC: World Watch Institute.Google Scholar
World Commission on Environment and Development (1987). Our Common Future. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Zandstra, H., Price, E., Litsinger, J. & Morris, R. (1981). A Methodology for On-Farm Cropping Systems Research. Los Baños, Philippines: International Rice Research Insitute.Google Scholar
Zey-Ferrell, M. (1979). Dimensions of Organizations: Environment, Context, Structure, Process and Performance. Santa Monica, California: Goodyear Publishing Company.Google Scholar