On-farm research in a silvopastoral project: a case study |
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| Authors: | Rolain Borel Francisco Romero |
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| Institution: | (1) Former coordinator of the CATIE/IDRC Silvopastoral Project, presently associate professor at the University for Peace, San José, Costa Rica;(2) Coordinator of the CATIE/IDRC Silvopastoral Project, CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica |
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| Abstract: | The Silvopastoral Project is being implemented by CATIE in the Atlantic humid lowland of Costa Rica, in order to develop alternatives
to the current destructive mode of livestock production. The overall approach is briefly described and two superimposed on-farm
experiments are discussed in more detail. The main constraints for on-farm research within the project are analysed: the limited
previous knowledge of the area and of the local species, the difficulty of achieving a common understanding about research
with collaborating farmers, the need for additional staff supervision and the complexity of the statistical analyses. An attempt
is made to draw lessons from the ongoing project regarding how to resolve the apparent contradiction between rigorous scientific
requirements and questions of immediate value to extension, the compromises to be achieved between different types of evaluation
(statistical, risk, etc.) and the potentials and limitations of farmers' participation in research. |
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| Keywords: | Costa Rica silvopastoral systems Gliricidia sepium Erythrina berteroana live fences tree establishment on-farm experiments farmers participation |
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