To welcome yet another book on sustainable development, a reviewer must look for what is unique and what adds value to the volumes already published. In Agricultural Systems, editors Sieglinde Snapp and Barry Pound have assembled a collection of chapters that goes beyond the usual praise and criticism of the green revolution and the focus on economic development. Their book provides a first-hand story by people with lengthy experiences in the field, especially in Africa, who have developed and tested grassroots, participatory development approaches. The result is a valuable set of principles, strategies and case studies that paint a new and feasible greenprint for development.
The first section on re-inventing farming systems describes agriculture as the heart of most developing country economies, but also a sector increasingly challenged by globalization, local poverty and pandemics such as AIDS. Improving systems will increasingly depend on innovative approaches, such as agroecology, that take into account the economic, policy and social issues in addition to the conventional focus on improving productivity. Ecological principles that relate to design of farming systems are becoming more important as we examine the complexity of rural challenges and the vital need to make best possible use of natural resources.
In a section on resources for development, four chapters delve into low-input technologies, nutrient management, decentralized plant breeding strategies and the role of livestock. Systems dependent on internal, renewable resources are more sustainable than those that require continued inputs from outside, inputs that have a high and increasing cost. Nutrient use is especially important, as we design efficient methods of cycling key elements within the farm and build toward the greatest possible complementarity among enterprises. Livestock in a mixed farming system can promote this nutrient cycling. Participatory plant breeding that is based on local germplasm and creative testing of new varieties by farmers under their own conditions can lead to better specific adaptation and secure seed supply.
Building a broader context for sustainable development is the focus of the concluding section, and includes an articulate discussion of why we should recognize and foster women's roles in development. Major sources of innovation in the future will come from creative farmers, as well as from partnerships of researchers with farmers as equal partners in the development process. A final chapter urges adoption of a ‘Green Evolution’ strategy that emphasizes teams and collaboration, local solutions by local people, and engagement of stakeholders at all levels.
Agricultural Systems is particularly valuable in its practical approach to development and its focus on the role of farmers, especially women, in the process. Each chapter is supported by several case studies that direct the reader's attention to grassroots strategies that work. The chapter on animal systems is a welcome addition, since many similar books focus almost entirely on cropping systems. As with most edited volumes, there is patchiness in treatment and quality, and at times a lack of continuity, demonstrating the challenges of putting together a coherent story when the chapters are from many different people. Yet this is a useful book, with contributions from specialists who have spent decades in the development arena. It is well written and well worth adding to your personal library and recommending as a resource for students interested in developing countries and their agriculture.
