ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies issues that must be resolved in planning and carrying out programs to train field staff for farming systems research in Africa. It describes training activities being carried out in East and southern Africa by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and by the University of Zimbabwe, with strong support from CIMMYT. In addressing the issues of training for farming systems research, it is useful to start by examining the extent to which farming systems research (FSR) is institutionalized in national programs. The content of training courses should be largely determined by the objectives of the FSR program. In developing the short training programs, it is difficult to balance the conceptual aspects with the practical aspects. Academic institutions must support FSR training through developing clearer concepts and disseminating literature and research publications that enrich the field worker's perceptions of the African farmer and African farming households.
