ABSTRACT
Farming Systems Research (FSR) methodology requires multidisciplinary teamwork and reality testing. Multidisciplinary understanding and teamwork are difficult to achieve for many reasons, including the communication problems and irritations caused by scientists questioning each others' assumptions about research priorities and procedures. Analysis of the Phalombe on-farm trial data showed that the particular high yielding variety (HYV) was appropriate for "good" farmers in the area, who were a minority. The trials revealed the limited utility of the HYV, although HYVs are a standard component of research and extension recommendations in Malawi and elsewhere. Malawi has one rainy season lasting from November through April, and unreliable rainfall is a major constraint to agricultural production and stability in Phalombe. In terms of agricultural research, the FSR program focused on improving both the yields and the stability of staple food production within a context of multiple cropping.
