Agricultural research for resource-poor farmers part II: A parsimonious paradigm

Part I of this paper13 described the Transfer-of-Technology (TOT) model of normal agricultural research and its misfit with the needs of Resource-Poor Farmers (RPFs). Farming Systems Research (FSR) was seen as an adaptation of TOT which retained power and initiative in the hands of scientists. The Farmer-First-and-Last (FFL) approach proposed in this second part of the paper would transfer power and initiative to farmers, especially RPFs. The authors argue that FFL fits the diverse and complex conditions and needs of RPFs better than does TOT, and makes more sparing and cost-effective use of scarce scientists. A parsimonious form of FFL avoids multi-disciplinary teams and much data gathering and analysis by trusting farmers' knowledge and self-interest, and encouraging and enabling them to identify priorities for research. Parsimony and replicability come from relying on farmers' knowledge and abilities and on scientists as facilitators and learners. Widespread adoption of parsimonious FFL entails a turn around in behaviour and attitudes by scientists. Tested methods are needed for training scientists in reversals of attitudes and demeanour; for identifying and working with suitable RPF families; for farmer groups and panels; and for farmer innovator workshops. The International Agricultural Research Centres have some disadvantages in developing and practising parsimonious FFL. The main initiative will probably have to come from courageous and original national scientists and imaginative non-government organisations. Those who break the bounds of normal professionalism by developing parsimonious FFL can expect to be at a cutting edge of agricultural research methodology.