Using social science tools in agroforestry research

This paper is intended for non-social scientists who wish to use social science research tools in order to assess the role of multipurpose tree species in rural communities in Asia. It identifies and compares the use of specific tools in the context of four research approaches which represent a continuum of methodological development. (1) The agroecosystem approach involves abstract conceptualization of the structure and functions of an agroecosystem. (2) Farming systems research focuses on the development and adaptation of technology to the farm as a whole system. (3) Experiences with these two approaches led to the development of rapid rural appraisal for quick collection and analysis of data and greater farmer participation. (4) Diagnosis and design is a form of rapid rural appraisal that has been adapted to the assessment of land-use systems and agroforestry. The paper also describes specialized tools for understanding indigenous knowledge, including ethnoscience tools and decisionmaking research tools. It concludes by emphasizing that the four methodologies are complementary rather than competitive; the use of social science tools is optimized when several are employed in combination.