Identifying Potential for Decision Support Tools through Farm Systems Typology Analysis Coupled with Participatory Research: A Case for Smallholder Farmers in Myanmar

So Pyay Thar,Robert J Farquharson,Thiagarajah Ramilan,Deli Chen

doi:10.3390/agriculture11060516

So Pyay Thar, Robert J Farquharson + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11060516

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Abstract

Decision Support Tools (DSTs) in agriculture have been widely developed but have not been well accepted by smallholder farmers. One reason for the limited use is that the tools do not account for the complexity of heterogeneous smallholder farming systems. Identifying farm typologies has facilitated technology transfer to target groups of farmers. Accounting for heterogeneity in farm systems can help in designing and deploying DSTs to address farmer needs. Typology analysis was applied to a 600-household survey dataset to identify different farm system types. Qualitative participatory research was used to assess the potential deployment of DSTs for fertilizer management. Six types of farm systems were identified with distinct characteristics in the study area of central Myanmar. Participatory research through focus group discussions with 34 participants from the six different farm types validated the farm typologies and found that farmers from one type considered that DSTs could be useful in gaining more information and knowledge. An important finding was that DSTs providing prescriptive advice were inconsistent with what many farmers want. Farmers indicated that discussion groups are a preferred learning-based approach rather than a prescriptive tool. Farmers preferred video clips and infographics integrated into existing familiar digital platforms. This study identifies heterogeneity within a large farm sample and develops a deeper understanding of fertilizer decisions as well as knowledge and intentions related to the use of DSTs or apps via follow-up focus group discussions. Incorporating a participatory research framework with typology identification can have a beneficial role in direct interactions with smallholders that may increase their acceptability of DSTs. This study has generated valuable information about farmer types and serves as a starting point for developing a framework for discussion support systems that may better relate to the needs of farmers.

Highlights

Myanmar is a country having abundant natural resources with substantial potential for development
This study focuses on the types of smallholder farmers and their preference towards information access in Myanmar
The KMO criterion confirmed that the principal component analysis (PCA) analysis was appropriate for the sample

Summary

Introduction

Myanmar is a country having abundant natural resources with substantial potential for development. The crop yields are reported to be generally low and agricultural productivity has underperformed compared to other countries in Asia [2]. Reports have highlighted that uncertainty in fertilizer decisions is a key factor contributing to the underperformance [3,4,5,6]. In Myanmar, most fertilizer decisions are based on visual field observations and advice from other village farmers [7]. The agriculture extension services are under-resourced [8] and practice a ‘traditional extension approach’ focusing on individual contact with ‘progressive farmers’ who are generally resourceful and easiest to reach, leaving a majority of farmers neglected [9,10]

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