Agricultural Systems, Second Edition, is a comprehensive text for developing sustainable farming systems. It presents a synthetic overview of the emerging area of agroecology applications to transforming farming systems and supporting rural innovation, with particular emphasis on how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture. The inclusion of research theory and examples using the principles of cropping system design allows students to gain a unique understanding of the technical, biological, ecological, economic and sociological aspects of farming systems science for rural livelihoods.
This book explores topics such as: re-inventing farming systems; principles and practice of agroecology; agricultural change and low-input technology; ecologically-based nutrient management; participatory breeding for developing improved and relevant crops; participatory livestock research for development; gender and agrarian inequality at the local scale; the nature of agricultural innovation; and outreach to support rural innovation. The extensive coverage of subjects is complemented with integrated references and a companion website, making this book essential reading for courses in international agricultural systems and management, sustainable agricultural management, and cropping systems.
This book will be a valuable resource for students of agricultural science, environmental engineering, and rural planning; researchers and scientists in agricultural development agencies; and practitioners of agricultural development in government extension programs, development agencies, and NGOs.
Key Features
- Provides students with an enhanced understanding of how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture
- Incorporates social, biological, chemical, and geographical aspects important to agroecology
- Addresses social and development issues related to farming systems
Section I: Reinventing Farming Systems
Chapter 1. Introduction
- Abstract
- Agricultural Systems in a Changing World
- Evolving Agricultural Systems Research
- Different Paths Taken
- Local Institutions for Agricultural Innovation
- Catalyzing Directions of Change
- Road Map
- References
- Internet Resources
Chapter 2. Agroecology: Principles and Practice
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Ecosystem Drivers
- Agroecozones
- Community Structure
- Organism Niche
- Community Evolution
- Plant Growth Types
- Ecological Principles Applied to Agriculture
- Complementarity
- Redundancy
- Mosaics
- Farming Systems by Agroecology
- Application of Ecological Principles to a Changing World
- References
- Internet Resources
Chapter 3. Farming-Related Livelihoods
- Abstract
- The Complexity of Farmer Decision-Making
- The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework
- Participatory Rural Appraisal as a Part of Sustainable Livelihoods Analysis
- Complementing Qualitative Information with Quantitative Data
- The Influence of Insecurity on Livelihoods
- Credit Initiatives to Kick-start Livelihood Changes
- Conclusions
- References
Chapter 4. Farming Systems for Sustainable Intensification
- Abstract
- Introduction
- The What and Why of Sustainable Intensification
- Alternatives to Intensification
- Successful Sustainable Systems
- When is Sustainable Intensification Relevant?
- Sustainable Intensification Indicators
- Trade-offs and Synergies
- The Elements of Sustainable Intensification
- Integration of System Elements
- Pathways to Sustainable Intensification
- The Way Forward
- References
Chapter 5. Designing for the Long-term: Sustainable Agriculture
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Putting Sustainable Agriculture Into Practice
- References
- Internet Resources
Section II: Resources for Agricultural Development
Chapter 6. Low-Input Technology: An Integrative View
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Low External Input Technology
- Labor
- Knowledge
- Implications for Rural Development Strategies
- Conclusions
- References
Chapter 7. Ecologically Based Nutrient Management
- Abstract
- Nutrient Management as Applied Ecology
- The Basics of Nutrient Cycling
- Applying an Ecological Nutrient Management Strategy
- The Role of Plants and Microorganisms in Cycling Nutrients
- Concepts and Strategies to Optimize Ecological Nutrient Management
- Developing Site-Specific Ecological Nutrient Management Systems
- References
Chapter 8. Participatory Breeding: Developing Improved and Relevant Crop Varieties With Farmers
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Theory of Participatory Plant Breeding
- Practical Elements of Participatory Plant Breeding in View of Agroecological Issues
- Examples of Successful Participatory Plant Breeding for Marginal Environments
- Types of Impact Achievable Through Participatory Plant Breeding for Sustainable Development of Farming Systems and Farmers’ Livelihoods
- References
Chapter 9. Research on Livestock, Livelihoods, and Innovation
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Livestock Production Systems
- Livestock Trends and Predictions
- Contributions of Livestock to Development
- Livestock and Livelihood Outcomes
- Livestock Research
- New Paradigms for Research to Address Development Needs
- Ways Forward
- Acknowledgment
- References
Section III: Context for Sustainable Agricultural Development
Chapter 10. Gender and Agrarian Inequities
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Inequality and Agricultural Systems in Perspective
- Global Inequality: The Big Picture
- The Study of Gender Relations
- Gender and Unequal Access to Productive Resources in Agricultural Systems
- Understanding Gender Dynamics at the Household Scale in Agricultural Systems
- Photo Credit: Carl Hiebert (2004)
- Case Study: Gender, Inequality, and Agroecological Approaches in Northern Malawi
- Conclusion: Addressing Gender Inequalities in Agricultural Systems
- References
- Internet Resources
Chapter 11. The Innovation Systems Approach to Agricultural Research and Development
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Defining Innovation
- Defining an Innovation System
- What Drives Innovation in Agriculture?
- The Case for Change
- The Innovation Systems Model
- The Innovation Platform: A Mechanism for Operationalizing the Innovation System at Local (and National) Levels
- Characteristics of Innovation Platforms
- Practical Experiences with Innovation Platforms
- Capacity Development Needs for Agricultural Innovation Systems
- The Enabling Environment for Innovation Systems
- Risks and Benefits of Adopting an Innovation Systems Approach
- Implications for Agricultural Development
- References
Chapter 12. Outreach to Support Rural Innovation
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems
- Relevance of Extension
- Enhancing Client-orientation at Different Scales
- Demand-Driven Models
- Facilitation of Local Capacity
- Active Learning
- Scaling-up and Out
- Conclusions
- References
Chapter 13. Climate Change and Agricultural Systems
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Climate Change: Definitions, Causes, and Links With Agriculture
- Impacts of Climate Change
- Climate Change Mitigation and Agriculture
- Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change
- Concepts and Broad Approaches to Addressing Climate Change in Agricultural Development
- Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems to Respond to Climate Change
- Climate Change and Agricultural Systems: Ways Forward
- References
Section IV: Tying It All Together
Chapter 14. Tying It All Together: Global, Regional, and Local Integrations
- Abstract
- The Poverty of Big Ideas
- A Green Evolution Strategy
- Implementing the Dream
- Looking Beyond the Farm Gate
- References
- Internet Resources
- Coleman, Fundamentals of Soil Ecology, 9780121797263, Jul 2004, $67.95
- Hillel, Introduction to Environmental Soil Physics, 9780123486554, Oct 2003, $89.95
- Selinus, Essentials of Medical Geology: Impacts of the Natural Environment on Human Health, 9780126363418, Jan 2005, $126.00
