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Systems Research Network was organized. It consisted of 13 research centers and
stations, with UPLB as the national center for farming systems research. Priority
areas for research shifted from understanding the basic determinants and
performance of farming svstems in the country (1976-80) to developing a crop-based
farming systems approach (19S0-83).
The Farming Systems Research and Development Network (FSRDN) was
organized in 1989, composed of UPLB through FSSRI, DA through BAR and ATI,
a network of SCUs in various regions of the country. The FSRDN facilitates the
exchange of expertise and information on FSR&D in the country. With the farming
systems development project in Bicol and Eastern Visayas, a Site Research
Management Unit (SRhlU) has been organized to formulate and implement the
farming program in each site selected within the region.
In 1982, the Agricultural Research Office (ARO) was organized under the
Office of the Minister of the MAF to coordinate cropping systems research
programs, whereas, the KFAC-CSD coordinates production programs. The farming
systeins thrust of DA was further strengthened with the reorganization of MAF by
Executive Order 116 (19S7), which also created the Bureau of Agricultural
Research (BAR). BAR assumed the responsibilities of ARO and was mandated to
coordinate a11 ;igricultural research of the DA.
The most recent development in agricultural RLQD was the enactment of the
local government code, which decentralized agricultural extension to local
governments. More attention is being focused on the operations of FSRRrD at the
provincial and municipal levels. Although there is already a certain degree of skill
and an appreciation of FSRRrD as an approach nt the provincial level, more efforts
must be focused on advising local governments about FSRRrD. This is a challenge
that must be met in the coming decade.
DEVELOPhrIENT OF FSRkD METHODOLOGIES
The development of FSRLQD in the Philippines hr~s been influenced by global
development of the approach. The development of methodologies is most apparent
if all stages of FSRRrD are examined. In site selection, tools are being refined and
include spatial maps and con~puter-aided tools such as Geographic Information
Systems (GIS). Sites selected for FSR&D activities have shifted from rice-basecl
environments to marginal areas (e.g., rainfed uplands and hilly areas).
Site description and diagnosis has shifted from formal tools to less formal
2nd rapid techniques such as Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and other variants.
Agroecosystem analysis, gender issues, diagnostic techniques, and ethnographic
tools have enriched the tool kit that can be used.
The design of R&E strategies has increasingly focused on farmer
circumstances. Ex-ante evaluation of the technology is beginning to integrate