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Weak research-extension linkages and poor support services (availability of
credit and inputs, and marketing facility for agricultural products) have
limited the transfer of technology and its adoption by farmers.
Inadequate facilities (e.g., labor and physical facilities) for the FSR program
was a constraint in disseminating the technology to the farmers in the area.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The results of this study are encouraging because they indicate that intervened
farmers adopted FSR-recommended cropping patterns both in the upland and
lowland areas. Most farmers adopted improved varieties of major crops and their
cultural practices. Vegetable cultivation became very popular among intervened
farmers, and they devoted land to grow various types of vegetables. Farmers
improved their nutritional status by consuming vegetables and generated cash
income from vegetable sale. Farmers also adopted FSR-recommended species of
fodder trees and grasses. The production and sale of milk increased substantially
because of the increase in the number of animals due to the availability of suitable
livestock fodder. Some control farmers have also adopted improved varieties of
crops and fodder trees. These farmers have adopted the maize + vegetable -
vegetables cropping pattern. These findings imply the suitability of the FSR
approach in similar environments in the country.
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are
proposed to improve the economic conditions of hill farmers:
¤ An FSR approach should be stressed in the development of all the major
components of farming systems (e.g., crops, livestock, horticulture, and off-
farm employment). A focus on only one component will cause imbalances.
¤ There is a need to develop intercommodity and interdisciplinary links within
the research system to integrate different components within FSR.
II Research and extension should have joint responsibility to achieve the targets
of FSP to make the impact of FSR more effective.
¤ Agricultural inputs (e.g., improved seed, chemical fertilizer, credit, and
extension services) must be made available on time, at the proper locations,
and in sufficient quantities to ensure the adoption of improved technology.
6 Close linkages among research, extension, and other related institutions
should be established for effective transfer of FSR-recommended technology
to the farmers.