Design and analysis of appropriate technology for small farmers: cropping systems research in the Philippines

Thesis/Dissertation · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:5242474

Chapman, J A

The invention of early-maturing and high-yielding rice varieties has opened up possibilities of increased production and incomes for small farmers in Asia and elsewhere. However, the new varieties were developed under optimal conditions not commonly found on small farms. Therefore, though yields on experiment stations have improved markedly, average farm yields remain low. Agricultural and social scientists are now realizing that greater attention should be given to the specific environmental circumstances facing farmers, socioeconomic as well as agroclimatic, before and during new technology development. Accordingly, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) began technology development for small farmers by undertaking experimentation on farmers' fields in several agroclimatic situations. This study formed part of IRRI's Cropping Systems Program research efforts in rainfed lowland areas of Iloilo, the Philippines, applying a modified methodological approach to identifying and evaluating appropriate new technologies. Study results clearly indicate the desirability and feasibility of ex-ante evaluation of existing and notional new technologies for their potential suitability to the socioeconomic and agroclimatic circumstances faced by small farmers.

• OSTI ID: 5242474
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290500* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization
AGRICULTURE
APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
ASIA
CEREALS
CONSTRAINTS
CROPS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
GRAMINEAE
GRASS
INDUSTRY
ISLANDS
PHILIPPINES
PLANTS
RICE
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER