Kanyama-Phiri, George, Wellard, Kate ORCID: 0000-0003-4397-5361 and Snapp, Sieglinde (2017) Introduction. In: Snapp, Sieglinde and Pound, Barry, (eds.) Agricultural Systems: Agroecology and Rural Innovation for Development. Academic Press, London, pp. 3-32. ISBN 978-0128020708 (doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802070-8.00001-3)

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Abstract

Agricultural systems are at the heart of developing country economies and family livelihoods. A rapidly transforming world poses considerable challenges to rural smallholders with limited resources, from globalization and poverty to land acquisition and climate change. Agricultural development is explored within this dynamic context. The evolution of agricultural research is traced, from simplistic commodity-focused improvement, to innovation systems approaches. This chapter provides an overview of principles and practice in agroecology, livelihood systems, and participatory research. We review the role of interdisciplinary and multistakeholder inquiry to support knowledge generation and local research capacity. Rural innovation, market linkages, and education are drivers of agricultural change. Scientists can support this transformation process by working with smallholder farmers, extension advisors, and the private sector to test and adapt new plants, animals, technologies, and information, and improve livelihoods and resilience.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Chapter 1
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Agricultural system; Agroecology; Farming systems; Integrated development; Rural innovation
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Livelihoods & Institutions Department
Last Modified:	04 May 2023 19:32
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/16705

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