RAISING AND SUSTAINING PRODUCTIVITY OF SMALLHOLDER FARMING SYSTEMS IN THE TROPICS - A Handbook of Sustainable Agricultural Development,

AgBe Publishing, Alkmaar, Holland - 1990 hardcover, 7" x 10½" (18cms x 27cms), with dust jacket AS NEW book in AS NEW unclipped dust jacket This book advocates consideration from the farmer's point-of-view, and also development within existing systems, rather than recommending the adoption of Western-style systems heavily dependent on fossil energy, good communications, and institutions. It brings together most relevant knowledge on the various tropical farming systems. The approach is multi-disciplinary and emphasis is placed on the interactions between agro-technical, environmental, econonic, sociological, institutional, and political spects. Information on climate, soils, plant breeding, institutions etc is given when these factors are crucial in the context of overall development. Special emphasis is placed on the limitations imposed by natural and financial resources, and administrative or social structures. Those aspects of the agricultural production process that lend themselves to improvement are identified and the prerequisites and mechanisms of change are discussed. Particularly, the effects of land-tenure and land-use, fertilizers, irrigation, cultural practices, rational crop selection, timelines of planting, extension programs and infrastructure are emphasized.