This book provides guidelines for farming systems research and development (FSR&D) as applied to conditions in developing countries. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist national governments interested in helping poor farmers - primarily small-scale farmers with limited resources. Therefore, the guidelines discuss the nature of FSR&D, processes and methodologies appropriate for various coditions, and alternative means for implementation. Because most of the applied work in FSR&D has been with cropping systems, this book of guidelines implemented and successful approaches, these guidelines have a strongly applied orientation. As a synopsis of the principal features of the guidelines, this executive summary is intended for those who wish a quick review of FSR&D's principal features. This summary contains brief sections on the background of FSR&D, its nature and activities, issues of implementation, and the contents of this book.

Text in English