Why on-farm research is central in agroforestry
The dichotomy between on-station and on-farm research can be both simplistic
and misleading. The selection of site for a given piece of research
should be related only to its research objectives. Factors to consider in the
siting decision include the importance of agroecological representativeness,
the type of input needed from farmers, and the level of management control.
The interaction between on-farm and on-station research should be continuous
and dynamic, not sequential. In this paper, the term "on-farm
research" encompasses research in natural settings such as rangeland, forests,
woodlands, and fallows, as well as farm fields.
Agroforestry research may be undertaken on farms:
-- to study the existing trees and agroforestry systems found on farms;
-- to learn from farmers' knowledge and experience with agroforestry and
local farming systems;