The development of African farming systems: Some personal views

Abstract

This paper highlights the slow pace of institutional change in accommodating Farming Systems Research in countries of East and Southern Africa. First, the characteristics of FSR, as an innovation in the research process, are considered and the implications for institutional change. The history of the introduction of FSR in Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia is used to illustrate the hesitant progress achieved. Finally, the influences of African government institutions, donor agencies and professional agricultural economists in inhibiting the adoption of FSR are discussed.