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A Participatory Method for Systems-Problem Research: Rehabilitating Marginal Uplands in the Philippines

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

C. Lightfoot,
O. De Guia Jr and
F. Ocado
C. Lightfoot
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, Tacloban City 7101, Philippines
O. De Guia Jr
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, Tacloban City 7101, Philippines
F. Ocado
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, Tacloban City 7101, Philippines
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Summary

A participatory method that promotes farmer involvement in systems-problem research was developed in response to the failure to adopt improved cropping patterns among upland farmers. Techniques to identify systems problems involved group and individual farmer meetings. Problems concerning the cultivation of marginal cogonal (Imperata cylindrica) uplands were identified. An informal random sample survey, guided by topics of inquiry and biological measurements that employed systems analytical tools, was used to obtain a farmers' perception of ‘systems-problems’. Systems diagrams also provided a framework for searching and screening solutions. A sequence of vining legumes was tested in rehabilitating the marginal uplands. For this experiment farmers elaborated hypotheses on control of Imperata, recovery of soil fertility, and reduced labour costs in re-cultivation. Extensive research activity among the farmers indicates the value of this participatory method.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 24 , Issue 3 , July 1988, pp. 301 - 309
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1988

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References

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