Evolution of strategies in sustainable agriculture research and development in PNG

摘要

Research into sustainable land management (SLM) was undertaken in PNG for about 12 years before 1999. A lack of adoption of research-generated fanning technologies by farmers was a driving force in the evolution of SLM research methodologies. This evolution progressed from a researcher-driven, discipline-based approach, through a farming-systems approach to a participatory-based approach. Additional tools developed concurrently included participatory planning and survey methods and geographic information system (GIS) databases for agricultural activities. Recent use of the new planning tools has revealed the multisectoral complexity and geographical diversity of SLM issues facing the smallholder farmer. A participatory-based, farmer-driven research approach is needed, which will consider the farmer's priorities in all aspects of rural development rather than just in agricultural development. One implication for the research program of the National Agricultural Research Institute will be the need for greater collaboration with other agencies and departments, including nonagricultural agencies. Also, SLM research efforts must be directed towards selected target areas so that site-specific issues can be addressed. This requires the prioritisation of target sites, which is timely, given the recent availability of GIS databases and the expected information from the upcoming 2000 census.