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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.