http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
agroecology and rural innovation for development
Agricultural Systems, Second Edition, is a comprehensive text for developing sustainable farming systems. It presents a synthetic overview of the emerging area of agroecology applications to transforming farming systems and supporting rural innovation, with particular emphasis on how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture. The inclusion of research theory and examples using the principles of cropping system design allows students to gain a unique understanding of the technical, biological, ecological, economic and sociological aspects of farming systems science for rural livelihoods. This book explores topics such as: re-inventing farming systems; principles and practice of agroecology; agricultural change and low-input technology; ecologically-based nutrient management; participatory breeding for developing improved and relevant crops; participatory livestock research for development; gender and agrarian inequality at the local scale; the nature of agricultural innovation; and outreach to support rural innovation. The extensive coverage of subjects is complemented with integrated references and a companion website, making this book essential reading for courses in international agricultural systems and management, sustainable agricultural management, and cropping systems. This book will be a valuable resource for students of agricultural science, environmental engineering, and rural planning; researchers and scientists in agricultural development agencies; and practitioners of agricultural development in government extension programs, development agencies, and NGOs. Provides students with an enhanced understanding of how research can be harnessed for sustainable agriculture Incorporates social, biological, chemical, and geographical aspects important to agroecology Addresses social and development issues related to farming systems.
Front Cover; Agricultural Systems; Copyright Page; Contents; List of Contributors; Preface to the Second Edition; I. Reinventing Farming Systems; 1 Introduction; Agricultural Systems in a Changing World; The Green Revolution: On-going Lessons; Evolving Agricultural Systems Research; Different Paths Taken; Impact at Local and Regional Levels; Local Institutions for Agricultural Innovation; Catalyzing Directions of Change; Road Map; References; Internet resources; 2 Agroecology: Principles and Practice; Introduction; Ecosystem Drivers; Agroecozones; Community Structure; Organism Niche.
Community EvolutionPlant Growth Types; Ecological Principles Applied to Agriculture; Complementarity; Redundancy; Mosaics; Farming Systems by Agroecology; Application of Ecological Principles to a Changing World; References; Internet resources; 3 Farming-Related Livelihoods; The Complexity of Farmer Decision-making; The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework; Participatory Rural Appraisal as a Part of Sustainable Livelihoods Analysis; Complementing Qualitative Information With Quantitative Data; The Influence of Insecurity on Livelihoods; Credit Initiatives to Kick-start Livelihood Changes.
ConclusionsReferences; 4 Farming Systems for Sustainable Intensification; Introduction; The What and Why of Sustainable Intensification; Alternatives to Intensification; Successful Sustainable Systems; When Is Sustainable Intensification Relevant?; Sustainable Intensification Indicators; Trade-offs and Synergies; The Elements of Sustainable Intensification; An Enabling Environment; Reducing Losses; Risk Mitigation; Integration of System Elements; Pathways to Sustainable Intensification; The Way Forward; References; 5 Designing for the Long-term: Sustainable Agriculture; Introduction.
Indigenous System ModelsSustainable Agriculture Design; Biodiversity; Soil biodiversity; Diversifying plant species; Community diversity; Diversifying at larger scales; Resource Efficiency; Productivity, Economics, and More; Resilience; Resilient plant communities; Break crops for healthy, resilient crops; Putting Sustainable Agriculture Into Practice; The Biocomplexity of Sustainable Development; Future Directions in Sustainable Agriculture; References; Internet Resources; II. Resources for Agricultural Development; 6 Low-Input Technology: An Integrative View; Introduction.
Low External Input TechnologyExamples of Low External Input Technology; The Adoption of Low External Input Technology; Labor; Labor Requirements; Hired Labor; Off-Farm Labor; Knowledge; Local Knowledge; Group Methods; The Sustainability of Groups; The Diffusion of Information; Implications for Rural Development Strategies; Incentives for Technology Generation and Adoption; Strategies for Demand-Driven Research; Conclusions; References; 7 Ecologically Based Nutrient Management; Nutrient Management as Applied Ecology; The Basics of Nutrient Cycling; Nitrogen Cycling; Phosphorus Cycling.
Includes bibliographical references and index.