Research approaches and methods for improving crop–animal systems in South-East Asia

ILRI Training Manual 5

Danilo Pezo 

International Livestock Research Institute
P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya

Author’s affiliation

Danilo Pezo, animal nutritionist, International Livestock Research Institute South-East Asia, (ILRI-SEA)
P.O. Box 7777, Los Baños, The Philippines.

© ILRI 2002 (International Livestock Research Institute) 
All rights reserved. Parts of this publication may be reproduced for non-commercial use provided that such reproduction shall be subject to acknowledgment of ILRI as holder of copyright.

ISBN 92–9146–123–7 

Correct citation: Danilo Pezo. 2002. Research approaches and methods for improving crop–animal systems in South-East Asia. ILRI Manual 5. ILRI (International Livestock Research Institute), Nairobi, Kenya. 189 pp.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Module 1: The relevance of crop–animal systems in South-East Asia

1.1 Performance objectives

1.2 Introduction

1.3 Agro-ecological zones in South-East Asia: Characteristics and importance for livestock production

1.4 References

Module 2: Importance of crop–animal systems in South-East Asia

2.1 Performance objectives

2.2 Environmental aspects

2.3 Technological characteristics

2.4 Socio-economic and policy issues

2.5 References

Module 3: Overview of systems research concepts and methodologies

3.1 Performance objectives

3.2 The rationale for systems approach in crop–animal systems research

3.3 Evolution of agricultural research approaches

3.4 A general methodology for research in agricultural systems

3.5 References

Module 4: Benchmark site selection and description for ecoregional research in crop–animal systems

4.1 Performance objectives

4.2 The benchmark site concept

4.3 Site selection

4.4 Site and systems description

4.5 GIS: A tool for benchmark site selection and description

4.6 References

Module 5: Characterising crop–animal systems using participatory research techniques

5.1 Performance objectives

5.2 Introduction

5.3 Hypotheses formulation

5.4 Type and source of information

5.5 Techniques used to collect primary data

5.6 Methods of analysis

5.7 Flow diagrams: A tool for the characterisation of crop–animal systems

5.8 Outputs of the characterisation process

5.9 References

Appendix 5.1. Crop–animal systems research in rainfed areas of South-East Asia BMS characterisation—Farm household survey

Module 6: Planning on-farm research to improve smallholder crop–animal systems

6.1 Performance objectives

6.2 Design of technological interventions in crop–animal systems

6.3 Ex ante assessment of technological interventions

6.4 Farmers participation in the ex ante evaluation of technological interventions

6.5 References

Module 7: On-farm testing and validation of technological interventions to improve smallholder crop–animal systems

7.1 Performance objectives

7.2 Rationale for on-farm testing of technological interventions, applying participatory approaches

7.3 Implementation and monitoring of on-farm trials

7.4 Statistical principles and experimental designs for on-farm research

7.5 Ex post evaluation of technological interventions

7.6 References

Module 8: Ex post impact assessment of technological interventions

8.1 Performance objectives

8.2 Transfer of technology approaches: Opportunities and constraints

8.3 Factors affecting adoption of technological innovations

8.4 Methods to evaluate adoption of technological innovations

8.5 Estimation of economic benefits due to technology adoption in crop–animal systems

8.6 Measuring impact of new technologies and returns to a research investment

8.7 Assessment of social and gender impacts of technological interventions  

8.8 References