FSR/E: Shifting the intersection between research and extension

Abstract

This paper focuses on the point of intersection between research and extension, and the necessity to shift this point as a farming systems research (FSR) approach is adopted. The first section of the paper briefly outlines FSR and discusses how it can be used to develop more appropriate technology. The following section explores the role of extension in FSR and emphasizes critical organizational changes that must be made in order to make the transition to a farming systems research and extension process (FSR/E). To illustrate these relationships, the case of Zambia is used to detail the importance of organizational changes. Throughout the paper it is stressed that extension and research must co-evolve if FSR/E is to be successfully implemented.