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Introduction to Farming Systems and Participatory Rural Appraisal

Marking scale: Pass with distinction = >80%; Pass with credit = 60-80%; Pass = 40-60%; Fail = <40%

Language: English

Prerequisites: English language test: 450 points in written International TOEFL test or 4.5 in academic IELTS test.

Duration: 1 week

Location: Cantho University

Objectives:

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Understand the theoretical principles behind the concept of farming systems
Describe the importance of indigenous knowledge and how to utilize the results from research and experimentation initiated by farmers
Understand and critically evaluate different farming systems and their environmental effect
Describe the role and use of agroforestry in animal production
Describe the role of livestock in maintaining and improving soil fertility and plant growth.
Understand and be able to apply the tools used in Participatory Rural Appraisal

Content

Evolution of agricultural and farming systems research. The importance of farmer’s knowledge, farmer’s research and experimentation and farmer’s participatory research. Traditional “slash and burn” farming systems, upland and lowland farming systems and systems based on agro-forestry principles. General agronomic principles of agro-forestry. Use of multipurpose trees for fodder, fuel and mulch in integrated small-holder farming systems. The use of draft animals in the integrated farming system and feeding and management of draft animals with an emphasis on technical and practical aspects.The relationship between animals, plants and soil properties and the role of livestock as a means of maintaining/improving soil fertility and plant growth through recycling of manure and its transformation into nutrient rich effluent (by biodigesters) and humus (by earthworms).

The students carry out Participatory Rural Appraisal exercises (PRA) in villages in areas where the host institutions have ongoing related research projects, and present their reports to farmers and village leaders.

Implementation

Scheduled activities                           Hours                          Compulsory
Lectures                                     approx. 12                              no
Exercises and discussions         approx. 32                            yes
Examination and evaluation     approx.   4                              yes

Individual studies, not scheduled

Literature studies approx. 8 no

Literature
Required reading is made available on CD-ROM and as URLs on the World Wide Web.

Examination
Approved written examination and/or oral presentation of practicals, approved presentation of project work.