CIMMYT farming systems research

PES covers the period 5/82-10/83 and is based on an attached special evaluation (XD-AAP-377-A). The project has made significant progress, especially in the training and networking components. Although delayed in some cases due to African government program/policy changes (e.g., in Malawi), in-country training (including direct on-farm assistance) is meeting its objectives, with the demand exceeding International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) staff capacity and future training activities increasing in number and scope. Networking efforts, including publishing a newsletter and holding seminars and workshops for FSR scientists and administrators, have been especially helpful for smaller countries and have resulted in collaboration among CIMMYT, the University of Florida farming systems support project, and other U.S. universities. Early and unexpected progress toward FSR institutionalization was achieved when, with the help of CIMMYT, Malawi and Zambia reorganized their agricultural research systems with a greater emphasis on FSR. Recommendations are to: continue submitting quarterly financial and semi-annual progress reports on time (there were earlier problems with late reports) and implementing networking activities; expand newsletter circulation and increase field reporting; and execute a no-cost extension to 5/84.