A Field Guide for On-farm Experimentation

A Field Guide for On-farm Experimentation

Author: H. J. W. Mutsaers

Publisher: IITA

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 245

ISBN-13: 9781311258

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This is a complete guide to get familiar with the techniques to draw reliable conclusions from on-farm trials. Emphasis is on the experimental aspects of on-farm research, which should help on-farm researchers to arrive at solid conclusions, taking into account, rather than eliminating, variation among farmers


Field Guide to California Agriculture

Field Guide to California Agriculture

Author: Paul Starrs

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2010-07-06

Total Pages: 504

ISBN-13: 0520265432

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"This book brings to life one of the most creative (and necessary) human endeavors and makes understandable the incredible complexity of California agriculture, one of the world's most daring experiments in feeding itself. A valuable resource that should be read by everyone—not just those of us who farm, but all of us who depend on farms."—Michael Ableman, farmer, photographer, and author of From the Good Earth, On Good Land, and Fields of Plenty. "No understanding of this state is possible without an understanding of its agriculture; that's how important this subject is."—Gerald Haslam, author of Workin' Man Blues: Country Music in California "A fascinating, intriguing, and sometimes even humorous exploration of California's agriculture, from broccoli to marijuana and beyond. At long last, a book everyday people can read to understand the state's biggest industry."—Louis Warren, University of California, Davis


A History of Farming Systems Research

A History of Farming Systems Research

Author: Michael P. Collinson

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 452

ISBN-13: 9789251043110

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This book provides a detailed history of farming systems research (FSR). While it includes the application of FSR to developed country agriculture, its main focus is on FSR in its original role, with small scale, resource-poor farmers in less developed countries. There are some 40 contributions from nearly 50 contributors from 20 countries, illustrating both the diversity and yet the coherence of FSR. The five parts of the book cover: (1) FSR - understanding farmers and their farming (FSR origins and perspectives; understanding farming systems); (2) the applications of farming systems research (FSR in technology choice and development; FSR in extension and policy formulation); (3) institutional commitment to FSR (FSR: some institutional experiences in national agricultural research; dimensions of the organization of FSR; training for FSR); (4) FSR: the professional dimension (regional and international associations; FSR and the professional disciplines); and (5) cutting edge methods, abiding issues and the future for FSR.


Trees on the Farm

Trees on the Farm

Author: Steven Charles Franzel

Publisher: CABI

Published: 2002-03-19

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 9780851998848

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Most published books on agroforestry have focused on biophysical aspects. There has been a lack of scientifically rigorous information about the socioeconomic features of agroforestry, and the adoption of agroforestry practices by farmers.This book fills that gap by assessing the adoption of selected agroforestry practices developed with African farmers, describing methods, and drawing out the implications for research, development, and policy. The volume includes five case studies of research conducted in Kenya and Zambia to evaluate the adoption potential of agroforestry. The cases illustrate methods of farm and village technology design, testing, and analysis that are applicable to a wide range of natural resource management practices.Along with the case studies, the contents also include chapters on: methods for assessing agroforestry adoption potential, promoting new agroforestry technologies: policy lessons from on-farm research, and assessing adoption potential: lessons learned and future directions.


Soil and Soil Fertility Management Research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Soil and Soil Fertility Management Research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author: Henk Mutsaers

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2017-03-27

Total Pages: 362

ISBN-13: 1315518848

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Judicious soil fertility management is crucial for sustainable crop production and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This book describes the various concepts and approaches underlying soil and soil fertility management research in SSA over the last fifty years. It provides examples of important innovations generated and assesses the position of research within the research-to-development continuum, including how innovations have been validated with the intended beneficiaries. Using the experience of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as a case study, the authors analyse how processes, partnerships and other factors have affected research priorities, the delivery of outputs, and their uptake by farming communities in SSA. They evaluate both successes and failures of past investments in soil fertility research and important lessons learnt which provide crucial information for national and international scientists currently engaged in this research area. The book is organised in a number of chapters each covering a chronological period characterised by its primary research content and approaches and by the dominant research paradigms and delivery models.


Crop Genetic Diversity in the Field and on the Farm

Crop Genetic Diversity in the Field and on the Farm

Author: Devra I. Jarvis

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2016-03-28

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13: 0300220820

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Based on twenty years of global research, this is the first comprehensive reference on crop genetic diversity as it is maintained on farmland around the world. Showcasing the findings of seven experts representing the fields of ecology, crop breeding, genetics, anthropology, economics, and policy, this invaluable resource places farmer-managed crop biodiversity squarely in the center of the science needed to feed the world and restore health to our productive landscapes. It will prove to be an essential tool in the training of agricultural and environmental scientists seeking the solutions necessary to ensure healthy, resilient ecosystems for future generations.