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Decentralization and farming systems research
In most countries represented at the workshop, several shifts have occurred in
research and development. First, by the late 1980s, the allocation and use of
national resources became a dominant theme in research and development
throughout the region. Rather than focus on comniodities per se, more attention
was devoted to adaptive research in specific agroecological areas. This shift was
accompanied by agroecological zoning and the creation of regional research
institutes, each with a specific mandate.
Although this points to a form of decentralization, it should not be forgotten
that in most countries this process was accompanied by a considerably strengthened
role for coordinating institutes and the creation of national apex agencies that were
responsible for planning, budget allocation, and donor re1:ltions. This was the
second major shift.
Decentralization and regional specialization of research into specific areas
provided significant institutional opportunity for FSR. This is reflected in the
emergence of loosely structured FSR networks (e.g., in Vietnam) ;ind more
formalized systems (e.g., in Thailand). An encouraging feature of this development
is that government institutes, nongovernment organizations, and universities
participate in these networks and systems. Although these structlires tend to emerge
In response to somewhat inflexible government procedures, it is not unthinkable
that such approaches, creative as they are, could hinder long-term interest in the
practice of FSR because they reduce the short-term need to properly institute
programs.
The situation in the region, however, is not uniform. In severai countries,
FSR has become part and parcel of outreach institutes and even central research
agencies (e.g., in Indonesia and Sri Lanka). The success reported in the Indonesian
case relates clearly to the existence of a well-defined FSR program and the
willingness of senior officials to take FSR activities seriously. However, a possible
drawback could be that this FSR would be subject to national targets and plans,
which \vould not automatically be beneficial to effective FSR. In view of the
variability in the organizational structure of research and development in the region,
it is not possible to make sweeping statements and present firm conclusions. It is,
for example, not :lt all certain that the prevalent shift to rewurce rn:inagement will
indeed lead to more efficient use of resources and expanded private and social
benefits. At the same time, the reduced emphasis on long-term, commodity-focused
programs may hamper the creation of basic technology. Whatever ~ilill happen, it is
to be foreseen that the resource-focused drive will continuz because of the
increased importance that society gives to environmental factors.