The limits of farming systems research and development: Should development administrators be interested?

Abstract

The assumptions of farming systems research and development (FSR/D) are similar to those of the alternative technology movement (ATM). While FSR/D can be a useful research method, it is doubtful if it will succeed as a development strategy where the Green Revolution failed. Much of the criticism of ATM is applicable to FSR/D. This criticism is based upon the eventual tendency of markets to expropriate much of the value created by the introduction of alternative technologies. Other critiques include the implicit technological determinism of FSR as a development strategy and the tendency of FSR advocates to ignore macro-economic and social structures that limit ‘bottom-up’ development efforts.