Integrated Farming Systems - A Review

Abstract

Integrated Farming systems (IFS), and ways of thinking about them, evolved in space and time. Rapid evolution took place in the last two decades when crop and livestock yields increased, together with concerns about their socio-economic and biophysical tradeoffs. The application of farming systems research (FSR) to agricultural development was a response to problems arising from a predominantly reductionist approach to research and a cornucopian view of external inputs. Modern technologies were either not welcome or caused unexpected negative trade-offs. This paper reviews definitions and forms of FSR and the need for evolution in thinking about agricultural development. Application of thermodynamic theory (TDT) to the study of farming systems influences discussion between cornucopians and conservationists, and between reductionist and holistic approaches to research. There is a need to recognize context (suitability of technology), and to pay more attention to relations within systems (system dynamics) and to defining criteria for sustainability. The paper links biophysical and socio-economic processes, gives a physical background for the anthropomorphic concepts of waste, and reviews aspects of objectivism and constructivism. It is argued that FSR can only advance if the full portent of these issues is considered in thinking about development of IFS. The complexity of the reality should make scientists think more carefully about the appropriate strategy that will get people out of poverty. Research in Asia of replications of the famous Bangladesh Grameen Bank micro-credit programs show that there is an ideal progression for farm families in the sub-continent that even the poor aspire too. According to this experience poor women invest in small livestock and the household step by step gets out of poverty. There is a great and unmet challenge for research on local resources to cater to the needs of these people.