FARMING SYSTEM, FARM SYSTEM


The SYSTEM managed by a farmer. It usually involves a unique and
reasonablu stable arrangement of farming enterprises that a
household operates according to well-defined practices in response
to the physical, biological and socioeconomic environment and in
accordance with the household's goaTi, preferences and resources.
These facca-s combine to influence output and production methods.
The f.rming system is part of larger systems and usually contains
a number of SUBSYSTEMS.



FARMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH (FSR)

Resea-ch Wtch is conducted with a recognition of and focus
towards ti; interdependencies and interrelationships that exist
among elenr.ts of the farm system, anl between these elements and
the f.rm '.ironment and is aimed at enhancing the efficacy of
FARMING SYYTEMS through the better focusing of agricultural
research so as to facilitate the generation and testing of
improved TECHNOLOQY. Essential features of farming systems
research are that it views the whole farm as a SYSTEM and
recognizes the central role played by the farmer in managing his
farming system given his aspirations and the constraints that he
faces.



FARMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

The major activities involved in FArMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH are:

(a) The collection and analysis of BASELINE DATA;

(b) The study of existing FARMING SYSTEMS;

(c) The oesign of new system COMPONENTS, SUBSYSTEMS and/or
 Farming systems

(d) FARM SYSTEMS EXPERIMENTATION
and

(e) The evaluation and monitoring of new system components
 and/or new or modified farming systems.



FIELD TEAMS

Teams of researchers who study the activities of farmers in their
fields. Suc:h teams often consist of an agronomist, economist, and
supporting technicians. Where livestock are important, an animal
scientist should be part of the team where irrigation is


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