View Document: A review of evidence, agreements, concepts and tools relating to participatory agricultural research

A review at attempts at developing formal methods of creating typologies was undertaken. Generally it was found that these were complex, difficult to use, and were too focused on participation as the core objective, rather than being problem orientated. They did not provide guidance for implementation. Participatory research is important as a significant component of the research process but it, just as other approaches, has flaws. A balanced approach (using both conventional and participatory methods) with the balance determined by the problem set is ideal. In addition, there is an absence of discussion with respect to participation with the private sector. If farmers are going to move up the value chain, then those in trade, markets and finance need to be brought into the process as important participants.   

To build real farmer involvement into the technology development process, a continuing exercise of discussing and coming to a consensus on options, obtaining routine and informed feedback on results, and exploring new avenues based on field experience is needed. Advances include farmer participatory breeding methods and the ‘mother-baby’ trial methodology. Almekinders and Hardon, 2006, observe that most participatory plant breeding activities are pilots, utilising different approaches, with little indication about which are most effective and indeed how effectiveness can and should be assessed. The mother-baby methodology, also used in participatory plant breeding, enables scientists to work in a participatory manner over large areas, and with considerable variation in ecology and other factors. Participatory methods have also been successfully employed with measurable outcomes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes.  

Formal methodologies for the engagement of the private sector in participatory research are not well defined. However, since many developing countries have poorly performing mechanisms for the trialling, demonstration, dissemination and uptake of agricultural technologies, private firms and civil society organisations have entered the fields of both technology transfer and development. Often these have been facilitated by CGIAR centres.   There are notable successes in participatory research and these are illustrated throughout the report in a number of examples. The conclusion drawn is that there is no single ‘typology’ that provides a template for success. There is a strong international consensus that alleviating poverty in the developing world will require the improvement of a broad range of farming systems and that participatory methods are a significant contribution to these efforts. A balanced approach (using both conventional and participatory methods) with the balance determined by the problem set is ideal. An overview of the successes reviewed provides three important elements to creating an effective participatory research framework

Intensive interaction with farmers; 

x Strong national level technology development and dissemination capacity; 

x Strong and effective links to international science; and

x Involvement of private sector actors in the research process.

The aim is to create an environment that facilitates integrated scientific and technical initiatives extending from the farmer to the lab and back again. Participatory research is an important tool in the scientist’s box, but does not substitute for detailed conventional research investigations. The two exercises are highly complementary. An effective technology development programme will build strength and capacity in both areas. 

This study also notes that too few research studies (both conventional and participatory) consider adequately the costs (in labour, cash, and other scarce resources) of change. Controlling costs depends heavily on making best use of the limited resources available to the typical smallholder. Principles for best practice and good engagement include effective networking to spread learning and best practice; creating the environment for change by involving low-income farmers, businesses, and consumers as active participants in the process; and building inclusive teams of specialists so as to create fruitful interaction between academia, government and industry. At the heart of all efforts will be a focus on reliability and efficiency, using the right inputs used in the right way. This creates broad based opportunities for the poor to benefit directly from effective access to the improved seed, fertilisers and other critical inputs that are the foundations of the essential growth in productivity.