A participatory method that promotes farmer determination in systems-problem research was developed in response to failures in adoption of improved cropping patterns among upland farmers in the Philippines. Techniques to identify systems problems involve group and individual farmer meetings. Problems surrounding cultivation of marginal uplands were identified. An informal random sample survey guided by topics of inquiry and biological measurements that employed systems analytical tools was used to obtain farmers' perception of 'systems-problems'. Systems diagrams also provided a framework for searching and screening solutions. A sequence of vining legumes will be tested in rehabilitating marginal uplands, for which farmers elaborated hypotheses on control of plants, recovery of soil fertility and reduced labour costs of re-cultivation. Extensive research activity among farmers indicates the value of this participatory method.
Publication year:
1988
Pages:
14p.