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IMPACT OF FARMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH ON THE RESEARCH AND<br />

EXTENSION SYSTEM: THE CASE OF THE PHILIPPINES<br />

V. T. ~illancio', A. ~unzalan', C. ~ina', and V. R. Caranga12<br />

The Farming Systems Approach has a key role in <strong>the</strong> strategy for <strong>the</strong><br />

development of <strong>the</strong> agricultural sector in <strong>the</strong> Philippines during <strong>the</strong> last<br />

two decades. Many of <strong>the</strong> institutions involved in <strong>research</strong> and<br />

development have adopted <strong>the</strong> concept and have developed<br />

methodologies over time to provide more meaningful and relevant<br />

technology to <strong>the</strong> farmers in <strong>the</strong>ir individual environments. The study<br />

highlights <strong>the</strong> developments and <strong>the</strong> operations of Farming Systems<br />

Development in <strong>the</strong> Philippines. analyses its impact, and concludes that<br />

fur<strong>the</strong>r emphasis should be provided to <strong>the</strong> streng<strong>the</strong>ning of <strong>the</strong> networks<br />

that exist as a rneans to fur<strong>the</strong>r enhance <strong>the</strong> FSR programs in <strong>the</strong><br />

country.<br />

A policy declaration has been made in <strong>the</strong> Philippines to use a farming <strong>systems</strong><br />

approach (FSA) as a general strategy to promote agricultural development. Executive<br />

Order 116 (30 Jan 1987), which provided for <strong>the</strong> reorganization of <strong>the</strong> Ministry of<br />

Agriculture and Food (MAF), mandated to "encourage people's participation in<br />

zgricultural development . . . and use a bottom up, self-reliant farming <strong>systems</strong> approach<br />

that will emphasize social justice, equity, productivity, and sustainability in <strong>the</strong> use of<br />

agricultural resoprces." The objective of this strategy was to "improve farm income and<br />

generate ivork opportunities for farmerslfishermen and o<strong>the</strong>r rural workers."<br />

The national thrust on farming system <strong>research</strong> and development (FSR&D)<br />

stemmed from <strong>the</strong> lessons and experiences gained by implementing various projects<br />

using <strong>the</strong> FSA. These projects began with multiple-cropping and cropping-<strong>systems</strong><br />

projects (1970s to mid-1980s) and have continued to <strong>the</strong> current farming <strong>systems</strong><br />

<strong>research</strong> and extension (FSR&E) projects. This paper highlights <strong>the</strong> historical<br />

development and operation of FSRSrD in <strong>the</strong>se projects and <strong>the</strong> response of <strong>the</strong>se<br />

projects to evolving patterns, concepts, and procedures. The effects of <strong>the</strong>se projects on<br />

small farms, <strong>the</strong>ir farming <strong>systems</strong>, farm households, and <strong>the</strong> community are also<br />

discussed. Finally, lessons, esperiences, and issues that affect <strong>the</strong> operations of <strong>the</strong>se<br />

projects are identified.<br />

'lowland-based Farming Systems Division, Farming Systems and Soil Resources<br />

Institute, College of Agriculture, University of <strong>the</strong> Philippines Los Bafios, Laguna,<br />

Philippines.<br />

2~sian Rice Farming Systems Network (ARFSN), <strong>International</strong> Rice Research<br />

Institute, P.O. Box 933, Manila, Philippines.

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