Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development

Section I: Reinventing Farming Systems

Chapter 1. Introduction

• Abstract
• Agricultural Systems in a Changing World
• Evolving Agricultural Systems Research
• Different Paths Taken
• Local Institutions for Agricultural Innovation
• Catalyzing Directions of Change
• Road Map
• References
• Internet Resources

Chapter 2. Agroecology: Principles and Practice

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Ecosystem Drivers
• Agroecozones
• Community Structure
• Organism Niche
• Community Evolution
• Plant 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

Chapter 3. Farming-Related Livelihoods

• Abstract
• 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
• Conclusions
• References

Chapter 4. Farming Systems for Sustainable Intensification

• Abstract
• 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
• Integration of System Elements
• Pathways to Sustainable Intensification
• The Way Forward
• References

Chapter 5. Designing for the Long-term: Sustainable Agriculture

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Putting Sustainable Agriculture Into Practice
• References
• Internet Resources

Section II: Resources for Agricultural Development

Chapter 6. Low-Input Technology: An Integrative View

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Low External Input Technology
• Labor
• Knowledge
• Implications for Rural Development Strategies
• Conclusions
• References

Chapter 7. Ecologically Based Nutrient Management

• Abstract
• Nutrient Management as Applied Ecology
• The Basics of Nutrient Cycling
• Applying an Ecological Nutrient Management Strategy
• The Role of Plants and Microorganisms in Cycling Nutrients
• Concepts and Strategies to Optimize Ecological Nutrient Management
• Developing Site-Specific Ecological Nutrient Management Systems
• References

Chapter 8. Participatory Breeding: Developing Improved and Relevant Crop Varieties With Farmers

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Theory of Participatory Plant Breeding
• Practical Elements of Participatory Plant Breeding in View of Agroecological Issues
• Examples of Successful Participatory Plant Breeding for Marginal Environments
• Types of Impact Achievable Through Participatory Plant Breeding for Sustainable Development of Farming Systems and Farmers’ Livelihoods
• References

Chapter 9. Research on Livestock, Livelihoods, and Innovation

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Livestock Production Systems
• Livestock Trends and Predictions
• Contributions of Livestock to Development
• Livestock and Livelihood Outcomes
• Livestock Research
• New Paradigms for Research to Address Development Needs
• Ways Forward
• Acknowledgment
• References

Section III: Context for Sustainable Agricultural Development

Chapter 10. Gender and Agrarian Inequities

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Inequality and Agricultural Systems in Perspective
• Global Inequality: The Big Picture
• The Study of Gender Relations
• Gender and Unequal Access to Productive Resources in Agricultural Systems
• Understanding Gender Dynamics at the Household Scale in Agricultural Systems
• Photo Credit: Carl Hiebert (2004)
• Case Study: Gender, Inequality, and Agroecological Approaches in Northern Malawi
• Conclusion: Addressing Gender Inequalities in Agricultural Systems
• References
• Internet Resources

Chapter 11. The Innovation Systems Approach to Agricultural Research and Development

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Defining Innovation
• Defining an Innovation System
• What Drives Innovation in Agriculture?
• The Case for Change
• The Innovation Systems Model
• The Innovation Platform: A Mechanism for Operationalizing the Innovation System at Local (and National) Levels
• Characteristics of Innovation Platforms
• Practical Experiences with Innovation Platforms
• Capacity Development Needs for Agricultural Innovation Systems
• The Enabling Environment for Innovation Systems
• Risks and Benefits of Adopting an Innovation Systems Approach
• Implications for Agricultural Development
• References

Chapter 12. Outreach to Support Rural Innovation

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems
• Relevance of Extension
• Enhancing Client-orientation at Different Scales
• Demand-Driven Models
• Facilitation of Local Capacity
• Active Learning
• Scaling-up and Out
• Conclusions
• References

Chapter 13. Climate Change and Agricultural Systems

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Climate Change: Definitions, Causes, and Links With Agriculture
• Impacts of Climate Change
• Climate Change Mitigation and Agriculture
• Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change
• Concepts and Broad Approaches to Addressing Climate Change in Agricultural Development
• Strengthening Agricultural Innovation Systems to Respond to Climate Change
• Climate Change and Agricultural Systems: Ways Forward
• References

Section IV: Tying It All Together

Chapter 14. Tying It All Together: Global, Regional, and Local Integrations

• Abstract
• The Poverty of Big Ideas
• A Green Evolution Strategy
• Implementing the Dream
• Looking Beyond the Farm Gate
• References
• Internet Resources