Overview

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.

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9780128020708

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Reviews

A valuable set of principles, strategies and case studies that paint a new and feasible greenprint for development. 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. 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. --Charles Francis, University of Nebraska, USA

Valuable in its practical approach to development and its focus on the role of farmers, especially women, in the process. - Charles Francis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

Author Information

Sieglinde's research interests center around agroecology, particularly integrated approaches to soil and crop management for sustainable production. Sieglinde is committed to linking on-station research experimentation to participatory approaches, working with interdisciplinary teams in the Great Lakes Region of USA, and beyond. Scholarship, extension and farmer engagement that involves participation of multiple stakeholders is central to her extension approach. Dr. Barry Pound started as an agronomist and has steadily widened his experience through farming-systems approaches to sustainable-livelihood development and agricultural innovation systems. His interests include bridging the interfaces between social and natural sciences, and between research and extension. Currently, Dr. Pound is a visitng fellow in Livelihoods and Rural Innovation, Livelihoods and Institutions Department Natural Resource Institute, University of Greenwich Kent, UK.

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