Farming Systems Research into the 21st Century: The New Dynamic, 2012

Farming Systems Research has three core characteristics: it builds on systems thinking, it depends on the close collaboration between social and biophysical sciences, and it relies on participation to build co-learning processes. Farming Systems Research posits that to contribute towards sustainable rural development, both interdisciplinary collaborations and local actor engagement are needed. Together, they allow for changes in understanding and changes in practices. This book gives an overview of the insights generated in 20 years of Farming Systems Research. It retraces the emergence and development of Farming Systems Research in Europe, summarises the state-of-the-art for key areas, and provides an outlook on new explorations, especially those tackling the dynamic nature of farming systems and their interaction with the natural environment and the context of action.

Part I: Farming Systems Research in Europe.- 1. Farming Systems Research: An approach to inquiry.- 2. The origins of the European IFSA: The first meetings and the agenda renewal.- 3. Early Farming Systems Research and extension experience in Africa and possible relevance for FSR in Europe.- 4. Textual analysis and scientometric mapping of the dynamic knowledge in and around the IFSA community.- 5. Methodological themes in Farming Systems Research and implications for learning in higher education.-Part II: State of the art and key issues.- 6. How should we farm? The ethical dimension of farming systems.- 7. Systems practice: Making the systems in Farming Systems Research effective.- 8. The role of action-oriented learning theories for change in agriculture and rural networks.- 9. Learning in European agricultural and rural networks: Building a systemic research agenda.- 10. Extension systems and change facilitation for agricultural and rural development.- 11. Agri-food system and territorial development: Innovations, new dynamics and changing governance mechanisms.- 12. The Territory Agronomy Approach in research, education, and training.- 13. Simulation models in farming systems research: Potential and challenges.- 14. Reshaping boundaries between farming systems and the environment.- Part III: Insights from system sciences and new perspectives.- 15. Dynamics in farming systems: of changes and choices.- 16. Farms and farmers facing change: The adaptive approach.- 17. Observing farming systems: Insights from social systems theory.- 18. Re-design and co-design of farming systems: An overview of methods and practices.- 19. Stimulating transitions towards sustainable farming systems.- 20. Evolution of systems approaches to agricultural innovation: Concepts, analysis and interventions.- Index.

A comprehensive overview of systems approaches as applied to farming and rural development Demonstrates the strengths of combining systems thinking, interdisciplinarity, and participation to achieve lasting change Over 60 cartoons that convey key messages at a glance