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Farmers, On-farm Research and the Development of New Technology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

J. Sumberg  and
C. Okali
J. Sumberg
Affiliation:
4 Woburn Street, Andover, MA 01810
C. Okali
Affiliation:
Oxfam America, 115 Broadway, Boston, MA 02116, USA
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Summary

Most commonly, on-farm research has sought to validate and demonstrate technologies developed under controlled experimental conditions. It is argued here that on-farm research has a role in all stages of technology development, and that methodologies and objectives transplanted from the research station are inappropriate, particularly given the restrictions they impose on farmers' capacity to experiment with new technology. Drawing on experience with alley farming in W. Africa, it is shown how the farm and farm family can be incorporated fully throughout the process of technology development. The example is used to clarify the role of researchers in participatory technology development.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 24 , Issue 3 , July 1988 , pp. 333 - 342
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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References

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