Participatory technology development in corn-based farming systems

One of the key concerns of the farming systems approach to research and development is to understand farmers' priorities, strategies, their resource allocation, and the biophysical and socioeconomic environment under which the farm household operates. In using this approach, it is hoped that farmer adoption of appropriate technologies will be enhanced. A series of on-farm research and outreach (OFRO) projects conducted from 1991 until the present, covering 13 sites in 11 provinces, provides useful case studies of the utility of the on-farm research methodology as a tool not only for research but also for effective technology transfer. The OFRO is again the main strategy used in a project which aims to develop and adopt technologies appropriate to the unique requirements and circumstances of selected corn-growing areas in the Philippines. The objectives are (1) to characterize and assess the use and management of agro-ecological resources in selected corn areas using participatory rural appraisal (PRA); (2) through the PRA, to assist resource-poor farmers in identifying and addressing problems/constraints; and (3) to aid the formulation of location-specific and ecologically sound management practices and technology options for sustained corn-based farm productivity. The results of the PRA provided substantial information that served as basis for the design of possible interventions that will improve the existing corn-based farming systems. Characterization of the corn areas also revealed some similarities and uniqueness in the communities' biophysical and socioeconomic circumstances. These became the basis for the adaptation of technologies, through on-farm trials, to the specific environments of the selected corn areas. Results show impacts that responded to the participatory approach used by the project. Further, there are a number of lessons learned gained from the project activities where other issues and concerns, data gaps, and researchable areas are also identified to be given attention in future undertakings.