Farming systems research: relevance to Australia
Authors: Petheram R. J. , Clark R. A. 
Published: August 2004

Summary. Farming systems research was introduced into
many international and national agricultural research institutes in lower
income countries in the 1970s and 1980s with the purpose of improving the
relevance of research for small-scale farmers. This review outlines the
origin, context, goals, principles and process of farming systems research in
these countries, and aims to enable agricultural professionals to assess the
relevance and value of farming systems research to their work in particular
situations in Australia and overseas. The key elements of farming systems
research include a holistic approach, orientation towards the needs of defined
target groups, high levels of farmer participation and hence co-learning by
farmers and specialists. There is guidance by facilitators, continuous
evaluation and linkage to policy makers.
The goal of farming systems research is to improve the well-being of farmers
through development of farming systems. It involves application of methods
from various disciplines, first to define the constraints and opportunities
for development and then to overcome these in a research process involving
farmers, with specialists and policy makers. A generalised farming systems
research procedure and various research activities are described. Initially in
lower income countries, a fairly standard farming systems research procedure
was used, but farming systems research has evolved to encompass a range of
activities commonly regarded as the realm of agricultural extension or rural
development.
Basic science, applied science and farming systems research are compared in
terms of the roles and relationships of the people involved in the research
process. The implications of selecting farming systems research as a model for
rural research and development are discussed. Achieving adequate levels of
farmer participation can be a major issue in farming systems research so it is
important that the principal notions of participation are understood. Success
of farming systems research in Australia will depend on developing innovative
ways of achieving high levels of participation.
Current trends in the philosophy, practice and funding of agricultural
research and extension in Australia make it timely to consider the wider
adoption of farming systems research principles and practices. Farming systems
research could provide a valuable philosophical and practical basis for the
trend towards greater participation by researchers with end-users and
extension practitioners in agricultural development programs. However, it
seems unwise to adhere strictly to any one particular model of research and
development from other places: farming systems research concepts are being
combined successfully with those from other models, such as systems learning
and computer modelling, to suit the needs of particular situations.
Implications of a wider adoption of farming systems research in Australia for
agricultural research and development organisations and professional bodies
include, the establishment of multidisciplinary teams with shared goals, and
the sourcing of funding for periods long enough to achieve outcomes. There is
also a need for training in systems concepts and facilitation, for reputable
channels of publication of the results of farming systems research and for
greater recognition of participatory activities as valid forms of agricultural
research.