Report of an ARPT/CIMMYT networkshops on the role of rural sociology and anthropology in farming systems research and extension

Abstract

This report summarises the proceedings of the ARPT/CIMMYT networkshop on "The Role of Rural Sociology (and Anthropology) in Farming Systems Research". The Workshop was held at the Ridgeway Hotel, Lusaka, Zambia from the 27th to the 29th November, 1984. 23 social scientists, largely sociologists and anthropologists from 10 countries of the Eastern and Southern African Regions attended (see Annex 5.7). All presented papers were based on their experience of working with farming systems research (FSR) and/or small farmer agricultural development (see Annex 5.6). Other participants included several farming systems economists and good number of technical scientists (crop breeders, soil scientists and a weed specialist), working in Zambia. In addition, a small number of interested social scientists working in Zambia also attended (See Annex 5.7 for a full list of participants). The other disciplines were invited in order to try and keep discussions grounded in issues relevant to applied agricultural research, and avoid extended debates centering on definitional problems, and academic issues.