THE FARMING SYSTEMS APPROACH TO RESEARCH
 by David W. Norman*


 1. Topics

 (a) Introduction, objectives, and layout (section 2)
 (b) Farming system determinants (section 3)
 (c) Defining the farming systems approach to research (FSAR) (section 4)
 (d) Attributes of the FSAR (section 5)
 (e) Methodological problems of the FSAR (section 6)
 (f) Functions (section 7)
 (g) Components including funding (section 8)
 (h) Boundaries (section 9)

2. Introduction, objectives, and layout

 2.1 The farming systems approach to research is a product of the 1970s.
 It developed due to frustration over partial or complete failure of
 other approaches in developing technology relevant for farming
 families located in relatively unfavorable environments.

 2.2 There is considerable confusion over how a farming system is
 defined and what the farming systems approach to research (FSAR) is.
 It is important to have a consensus on what these are in order to
 address the central objectives of this paper. At the moment, the
 term FSAR is used too loosely.

 2.3 The FSAR is still evolving and, therefore, conventional wisdom for
 solving methodological and implementation problems has still not
 developed. However, some general guidelines are emerging, but these
 are likely to be modified in the light of further experience.

 2.4 After defining what a farming system is and describing what constitutes
 the FSAR and "ts attributes, the foundation is laid for a consideration
 of the various other topics assigned to this paper: methodological
 problems, functions, components and funding, and boundaries. These
 topics, however, are not mutually exclusive, therefore, there is some
 overlap in the discussion.

3. Farmino system -ecerminants

 3.1 In developing countries, there is considerable overlap between the
 unit of production and the unit of consumption. Thus, the means of
 livelihood and household are intimately linked and cannot be
 separated (Figure 1).

 3.2 A farming system adopted by a given farming household results from its
 members, with their managerial know-how, allocating the three factors
 of production, i.e., land, labor, and capital, to which they have
 access, to three processes (crops, livestock, and off-farm enterprises)
 in a manner which, within the knowledge they possess, will maximize the
 attainment of the goals) for which they are striving.


*Prepared for the Farming Systems Research Symposium "Farming Systems in the
Field," Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, November 21-23, 1982.