ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the introduction of microcomputers into livestock production and management in which organizational and training requirements as a function of local psychological and social constraints are emphasized. The Epidemiology and Economics Research and Services Unit (UISEE) operates two farm management systems—dairy cattle and pigs—and is in the process of implementing a new system for sheep and goat production. The drastic reduction in the price of microcomputers and the appearance of portables and lap-tops represents a reasonable opportunity for on-farm data processing. The planning of investment projects at the farm, regional, or national level has been one of the UISEE's primary activities, mainly through consultancies to international financing institutions. Microcomputers are irreplaceable as tools for modeling farming systems and stimulating development scenarios. The steadily decreasing cost of microcomputers coupled with the increase in communications capacity will more than likely serve to encourage decentralization in data processing and stimulate creativity among professionals.
