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 (d) Locational specificity of applied ("downstream") FSR programs
 constraint. This constraint and the fact that FSR programs work
 with limited numbers of farming families (hopefully representative
 of much larger numbers) add to the perception of some, of the
 expensive nature of such research. In arriving at such conclusions,
 sunk costs involved in developing experiment stations, and low
 returns from other past research endeavors, are likely to be
 heavily discounted or even ignored. Because of the complementarity
 "of "downstream" FSR activities.and other research approaches, there
 appears to be little value in comparing the benefit-cost ratios of
 different research approaches. However, a challenge does exist in
 finding ways to minimize the cost of "downstream" FSR activities,
 a topic that was discussed earlier (see section 6.5).

8.3 Implications for instituting the components of an FSR program in a
 national setting are, therefore, as follows:

 (a) Be minimally disruptive in instituting an FSR activity within
 national programs. It is not necessary, for example, to call it
 FSR if this is politically unpalatable, while, in order to
 encourage intrainstitutional linkages and cooperation, it is
 probably not always desirable-initially at least-to have a
 separate unit for FSR. Improved possibilities for
 support and commitment are likely to arise if it is grafted onto
 an existing administrative unit, e.g., agronomy.
 (b) Staff and funding limitations usually require initial "pump
 priming" through:
 -support from donor agencies. This will.mainly have to come from
 public rather than private sources. Funds and personnel from
 the latter source are not likely to be forthcoming for
 institutionalizing an FSR-type program where the gestation
 period is likely to be lengthy in terms of getting results.
 -support through developing links with relevant lARCs that are
 developing expertise in "downstream" FSR.
 -recourse to advice and help from a central core group of expertise
 on FSR activities (such as AID is considering providing funds for
 at present) and Title XII Strengthening Grants in the U.S.
 universities which are focusing on FSAR-type activities.
 (c) Although strong arguments can be made for locating FSR teams
 within current institutions, attention needs to be paid to
 developing interinstitutional linkages, thus improving the
 possibilities for effective FSR activities. Chances for such
 effectiveness can be increased through, for example:
 -obtaining some manpower and financial commitments on the part
 of extension and planning/implementation agencies. The
 involvement of the former in the research program can
 potentially help mend the rift that often exists between research
 and extension, while the latter provides the opportunity for the
 inclusion of an FSP and the possible source of agri-
 cultural economists, often lacking in technical research
 institutes.
 -arranging linkages, perhaps essentially of an informal nature,
 with institutions/organizations with expertise in "downstream"
 FSR. Since "downstream" FSR is still evolving, there are many