Farming systems research (FSR) in Honduras, 1977-81 : a case study

After providing a historical overview of agricultural research in Honduras, the authors discuss the organizational framework for FSR in the country, focusing primarily on the creation of a Central Unit for FSR within the Honduran Ministry of Natural Resource"s National Program of Agricultural Research. Next, implementation of the FSR program is addressed, with particular attention to: selection of regions, farmers, and specific problems for on-farm and on-station trials; experiences in implementing farm trials and farm recordkeeping systems; research results and efforts to extend FSR to other regions; and training of Honduran researchers. Key problems - e.g., in introducing FSR to agricultural research personnel, in communicating among the various entities involved, and in obtaining sufficient resources - are described. It is concluded that while not all of the program"s goals were realized, a good deal was achieved in modifying research philosophy and methodology. Recommendations for implementing FSR in other countries are provided. Appended are a 17-item bibliography (1976-81) and comments by FSR researchers.