Research methodology for crop-animal systems in a mountain region.
1995
Li Pun H.H. | Sere C.
Complex agricultural systems are practiced in mountain areas. They have evolved as a result of a combination of environmental, socioeconomic, and political factors. In some of the better endowed areas of Latin America, especially in the valleys and plains, more specialized production systems have been established in middle-sized to large farms. However, the majority of the population in the rural areas are small farmers and peasants. In some areas, they are organized in peasant communities keeping many traditional characteristics of the native culture, while adopting some of the Western culture. Farming systems research approaches have been used to better understand these complex systems and to find alternatives. However, many projects have had a limited impact in translating those results into development. Among the reasons for failure, the following can be cited: extreme climatic variability between years; very complex socioeconomic, political and biophysical interactions; limitations in infrastructure and services; and others. Under those conditions, narrow approaches that have promoted oversimplified solutions have not succeeded, as they have failed to capture the rationale of small farmers and peasants to develop strategies to cope with risk and ensure survival. A successful case of a farming system project in the highlands of Peru is presented. It shows the complexity of some of the farming systems, as well as the possibilities for development following interdisciplinary approaches. It is proposed that the systems approach be expanded to better understand the interaction among systems hierarchies (ecoregions, watersheds and microregions, farm communities, farms), and synthesize results from lower hierarchies to measure their impact on higher ones. To implement these expanded approaches, new institutional arrangements will need to be established as to include the required expertise to promote changes in policies and knowledge for the sustainable development of mountain areas.
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