Journal article
Realigning research and extension to focus on farmers’ constraints and opportunities
Food policy, Vol.28(4), pp.349-363
08/01/2003
Abstract
This paper argues that research and extension have failed to (1) develop technologies that take into account farmers’ resource constraints and risks; and (2) improve farmers’ capacity to adapt technologies to their own situations. The paper critiques continued use of blanket, high-dose fertilizer recommendations, arguing for approaches that teach farmers how to maximize returns from smaller, more affordable input purchases. Developing such technologies requires that researchers integrate a wider range of stakeholders (farmers, extension agents, agricultural exporters and processors) into research activities at an earlier point in time than has been the case. Although evidence that these new approaches are increasing the use of purchased inputs remains weak, a number of important lessons are emerging about how research and extension outcomes are influenced by institutional culture and incentives. The authors conclude that developing recommendations for small, affordable input doses and training farmers so they can adapt recommendations to their particular circumstances is as much an institutional challenge as a technology challenge.
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Details
- Title
- Realigning research and extension to focus on farmers’ constraints and opportunities
- Creators
- S.S Snapp - Michigan State UniversityM.J Blackie - University of East AngliaC Donovan - Michigan State University
- Publication Details
- Food policy, Vol.28(4), pp.349-363
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Number of pages
- 15
- Identifiers
- 99901397978101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article