Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development

Klappentext With the inclusion of research theory and examples using the principles of cropping system design, students will gain a unique understanding of the technical, biological, ecological, economic and sociological aspects of farming systems science for rural livelihoods. Editors Snapp and Pound provide a much-needed synthetic overview of the emerging area of agroecology applications to transforming farming systems and supporting rural innovation. The wide range of subjects, integrated references, and companion website, make this core reading for courses in international agricultural systems and management, sustainable agricultural management, and cropping systems.

Autorentext
Sieglinde's research interests center around agroecology, particularly integrated approaches to soil and crop management for sustainable production. Sieglinde is committed to linking on-station research experimentation to participatory approaches, working with interdisciplinary teams in the Great Lakes Region of USA, and beyond. Scholarship, extension and farmer engagement that involves participation of multiple stakeholders is central to her extension approach. Dr. Barry Pound started as an agronomist and has steadily widened his experience through farming-systems approaches to sustainable-livelihood development and agricultural innovation systems. His interests include bridging the interfaces between social and natural sciences, and between research and extension. Currently, Dr. Pound is a visitng fellow in Livelihoods and Rural Innovation, Livelihoods and Institutions Department Natural Resource Institute, University of Greenwich Kent, UK.

Zusammenfassung
"A valuable set of principles, strategies and case studies that paint a new and feasible greenprint for development. Agricultural Systems is particularly valuable in its practical approach to development and its focus on the role of farmers, especially women, in the process. Each chapter is supported by several case studies that direct the reader's attention to grassroots strategies that work. The chapter on animal systems is a welcome addition, since many similar books focus almost entirely on cropping systems. It is well written and well worth adding to your personal library and recommending as a resource for students interested in developing countries and their agriculture." --Charles Francis, University of Nebraska, USA

Inhalt
Section I: Reinventing Farming Systems 1. Introduction 2. Agroecology: Principles and Practice 3. Farming-Related Livelihoods 4. Farming Systems for Sustainable Intensification 5. Designing for the Long-term: Sustainable Agriculture

Section II: Resources for Agricultural Development 6. Low-Input Technology: An Integrative View 7. Ecologically Based Nutrient Management 8. Participatory Breeding: Developing Improved and Relevant Crop Varieties With Farmers 9. Research on Livestock, Livelihoods, and Innovation

Section III: Context for Sustainable Agricultural Development 10. Gender and Agrarian Inequities 11. The Innovation Systems Approach to Agricultural Research and Development 12. Outreach to Support Rural Innovation 13. Climate Change and Agricultural Systems

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