Diversification in tropical agriculture: between environment constraints and market strategies. II. Levels of organization, methodologies and research tools.

摘要

Based on examples drawn from Asia, Africa and French DOM-TOMs, this paper proposes to analyse diversification inside three complementary analytical units: commodity systems, regions, and farms. The importance of stable market opportunities as well as favourable conditions pertaining to the physical environment for lasting diversification processes is outlined and illustrated. As regards commodity systems, there is a paradox in diversification being a common response to market instability, but at the same time requiring the organization of stable outlets to be long lasting (diversification can indeed successfully turn into specialization while the outlets are secured). As regards the regional aspect, the diversity of the physical conditions explains to a large extent the diversity in the farming systems observed in a given region, while, conversely, diversification processes are translated into changing landscapes. As regards the farms, diversification can be put in relation with anti-risk strategies. The paper then discusses some of the research tools available for improving knowledge and interventions on diversification processes, including systemic appraisal of farm diversity, modelling of farmers' decision-making in uncertain environments, appraisal of commodity chain competitiveness, economics and sociology of innovation. Some examples drawn from Thailand and La Reunion illustrate the use of multidisciplinary approaches combining agronomic, geographic and economic insights..