ABSTRACT
The search for a framework for analysis of the large body of empirical material documented in this study requires some analysis of the frameworks used in related studies. A first point of reference is provided by the ISNAR studies on Research-Extension Linkages and on On-Farm Client-Oriented Research (Merrill-Sands and Kaimowitz 1990) which developed a number of arguments and concepts relevant to the present study. They were based on the premises that ATD was more likely to be relevant to small farmers’ requirements, first, if clients were clearly identified and included in the ATD processes, particularly in on-farm research, and second, if strong two-way flows of information existed between researchers, technology transfer agents and farmers. Enhancing farmer participation and promoting linkages were seen mainly as management issues, but three contextual factors outside the control of managers were recognized as important: external pressure, resources and agro- ecological diversity. The authors saw a strong positive correlation between external pressure and the degree of responsiveness to farmers’ needs. Ideally, this should be exercised by farmers themselves but it was recognized that small farmers were unlikely to be able to do so. NGOs were therefore seen as potentially useful interpreters and articulators of small farmers’ requirements. NGOs were also seen as useful additional sources of funds to permit FPR, especially where agro-ecological diversity placed particularly severe demands on GOs.
