systems research - the IDRC Digital Library - International ...

ainfed areas. The RIARS project applied the methodology in the national program
using local resources and expertise and external funding.
IMPACT ON ORGANIZATION OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
The evolution of FSR&D in the Philippines is characterized by the policies,
organization, and management of the research and extension systems in the country.
Various institutions integrated the FSA concept into their R&D activities at
different stages (i.e., at the conceptual, structural, and operational levels). These
institutions adopted the FSA concept, translated it into various programs, and
developed an organizational structure that operated the FSRSrD projects.
The impact of FSR&D on the organization 2nd management of the R&E can
be seen in the way various RSLE institutions responded to the incorporation of
FSR&D. Three types of units were created in the institutions to address FSR&D:
units created as a separate institute in academic institutions, units within projects,
and divisions or units within the DA.
At UPLB, the Multiple Cropping Section (h4CS) was organized by the
Department of Agronomy in 1977 to implement the MCEPP. Likewise, with support
from NFAC, the UPLB College of Agriculture Iaunchetl Comprehensive Farming
Technology Support to Small Farmers (CFTSSF). In 1980, the MCS collaborated
with the NFAC to coordinate the cropping systems program of the RADOS as part
of RADIP. In the same year, staff from the UPLB-MCS were detailed to NFAC to
constitute the Cropping Systems Diirision (NFAC-CSD), which was a reorganization
of the former Multiple Cropping Section at NFAC. In 1983, the Farming Systems
and Soil Resources Institute (FSSRI) was established. It pooled staff from the MCS-
and the NFAC-supported Countryside Action Program (CAP). The FSSRI
implemented the Small Farm Systems (SFS) Component of the World Bank-
supported ASSP in 1933-1988.
Anticipating, the role of the Regional State Colleges nnti Universities (SCUs)
in the implementation of FSRJiD-related projects, staff from the SCUs were
trained. This training started with the involvement of CLSU and CSSAC in the
MCEPP (1972- 1979).
In 1980, staff from the Visayas State College of Agriculture (ViSCA) trained
in cropping systems methodology with RADOS staff in anticipation of their future
involvement in FSDP-EV in 1982. The ViSCA subsecluently est:~blished the Farm
and Resource Management Institute (FARhlI) in 19S5 to address its farming
systems thrust. Benguet State University (BSU) was likewise ir~volved with the
FSR&D component of the Highland Agricult~~ral Development Project (HADP),
and attempts were made to establish an institute on farming systenis research.
The farming-systems research component of the Philippine Council for
Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Developn~ent
(PCARRD) was approved by the Governing Council on 23 Sep 1975. A Farming