14.07.2013 Views

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

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

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

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

extension agency in <strong>the</strong> district, <strong>the</strong> ADO played a vital role in streng<strong>the</strong>ning <strong>the</strong><br />

FSR program and was aware of <strong>the</strong> importance of on-farm <strong>research</strong>.<br />

The livestock services center at Pumdi Bhumdi was responsible for <strong>the</strong><br />

supply of fodder saplings, forage seeds, and primary health care for <strong>the</strong> animals. In<br />

<strong>the</strong>se areas, <strong>the</strong>re was good understanding among <strong>the</strong> farmers, <strong>the</strong> livestock service<br />

center, and <strong>the</strong> FSR site coordinator.<br />

Finally, <strong>the</strong> FSR site coordinator and <strong>the</strong> farmers developed a close working<br />

relationship and effective links and collaboration. These factors contributed to <strong>the</strong><br />

positive impact of <strong>the</strong> FSR-recommended technologies on farmers in Pumdi<br />

Bhumdi.<br />

Constraints to adoption of FSR-recommended technologies<br />

The major problems in <strong>the</strong> adoption of FSR-recommended technologies were <strong>the</strong><br />

unavailability and untimely supply of inputs and lack of money to purchase <strong>the</strong><br />

inputs (Table 18). O<strong>the</strong>r problems included were: more labor was required to adopt<br />

<strong>the</strong> recommended cropping patterns and cultural practices; <strong>the</strong> late maturity and<br />

low palatability of <strong>the</strong> recommended varieties (especially maize); more seed was<br />

required for <strong>the</strong> improved varieties than for <strong>the</strong> local varieties; and <strong>the</strong>re were more<br />

diseases and insect problems during storage (especially maize and potatoes).<br />

The majority of <strong>the</strong> control farmers reported that <strong>the</strong>y did not have enough<br />

technical knowledge of <strong>the</strong> recommended practices because <strong>the</strong>y had no ready<br />

access to <strong>the</strong> information. To acquire more knowledge on <strong>the</strong> recommended<br />

technology, <strong>the</strong>y had to visit <strong>the</strong> FSR site office. However, because of inadequate<br />

time during <strong>the</strong> peak periods, <strong>the</strong>y did not have <strong>the</strong> time to visit <strong>the</strong> FSR site office.<br />

Some o<strong>the</strong>r constraints identified at <strong>the</strong> site were:<br />

m The main climatic constraints to increased cropping intensity were occasional<br />

drought and frequent hail storms.<br />

H Limited technology was available for most of <strong>the</strong> crops (e.g., hill crops, grain<br />

legumes, fruits, and vegetables) for on-farm testing which limited <strong>the</strong><br />

alternatives available to <strong>the</strong> farmers.<br />

¤ Climatic constraints (hail and drought) have rnade agricult~lre<br />

risky in this<br />

region; <strong>the</strong>refore, farmers were hesitant to make larger investments in crops<br />

(e.g., use chemical fertilizers or pesticides).

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!