CHAPTER 2

FARMING
SYSTEM
AN A LY S I S
 Learning outcomes:
At the end of the lesson;

1. Discussed and valued the interaction of the different

elements of agroecosystem

2. Identified the tools and methodologies for analyzing farming

systems

3. Evaluated the sustainability and resilience, farming Systems.

 What is Farming system
analysis?

A holistic approach used to assess and improve

agricultural practices.
It involves understanding the various components of
farming systems, their interactions, and how they impact
productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods.
 UNDERSTANDING
AGROECOSYSTEMS AND THEIR
INTERACTIONS
Agroecosystem Ecological
Components: Interactions:
CROPS POSITIVE
BENEFICIAL INSECT INTERACTIONS
LIVESTOC
K MICROORGANISM mutualistic
PEST S relationships between

PHYSICAL
SOIL plants and beneficial
ENVIRONMENTS ORGANISMS microbes, can enhance
nutrient availability
and plant health.
 UNDERSTANDING
AGROECOSYSTEMS AND THEIR
INTERACTIONS
Ecological Biodiversity and
Interactions: Ecosystem Services:
NEGATIVE
INTERACTIONS • Biodiversity is vital for the
stability, resilience, and
competition between crops productivity of agroecosystems.
• It encompasses the variety of
and weeds, can lead to
plant and animal species,
reduced yields.
genetic diversity within these
species, and diverse habitats.
 UNDERSTANDING
AGROECOSYSTEMS AND THEIR
INTERACTIONS
Biodiversity and
Environmental
Ecosystem Services:
Impacts:
Agroecosystems can have significant
High biodiversity in impacts on the environment, including
agroecosystems leads to improved soil erosion, water pollution,
ecosystem services such as greenhouse gas emissions, and loss
improved nutrient of biodiversity.
cycling, pest regulation, soil To minimize these impacts,
fertility, and water retention. sustainable farming methods like
conservation agriculture, integrated
pest management, precision farming
and Agroforestry can be used.
 UNDERSTANDING
AGROECOSYSTEMS AND THEIR
INTERACTIONS
Adaptive
management
Adaptive management strategies are necessary to
respond the changes and promote resilience in
agroecosystems. By continuously monitoring and
assessing agroecosystems, farmers and researchers
can adjust management practices, adopt new
technologies, and implement strategies that enhance
the sustainability and productivity of agricultural
systems.
REVIEW QUESTION

Why is it important to look at

agricultural systems as a whole?
TOOLS AND METHODOLOGIES
FOR ANALYZING FARMING
SYSTEMS
 Methodologie
Participatory
s Surveys and
Rural Appraisal Interviews:
(PRA):
Surveys: Structured questionnaires
A qualitative research approach
gather information on farm
that
characteristics, production
involves active participation and
practices, and socio-economic
collaboration with farmers and local
factors.
Fosters knowledge
stakeholders. exchange,
Interviews: In-depth discussions
engages local knowledge and
expertise, and ensures the inclusion allow researchers to explore
of farmers perspectives in the farmers' views, decision-making
analysis process. processes, and challenges.
 Methodologie
Farm Records and
s Systems
Diaries: Modeling:
Involves developing mathematical
Farmers record information such as
or computer-based models to
inputs used, yields, costs, and labor
simulate and analyze farming
requirements. This data provides insights
systems.
into the performance and profitability of Systems modeling can provide
specific farming enterprises, helping insights into crop-livestock
researchers and interactions, resource flows,
farmers identify areas for improvement environmental impacts, and
and make informed decisions regarding economic outcomes, assisting in
resource allocation and management decision-making and optimizing
practices. farming system performance.
 Methodologie
s Remote Sensing and Geographic
Economic Information Systems (GIS):
Analysis:
Economic analysis methods, such as Remote sensing technologies, like
cost-benefit analysis, profitability satellite imagery, and GIS tools are
analysis, and financial feasibility increasingly used in farming systems
assessments, are employed to analysis.
evaluate the economic viability and They provide important insights into
land use, plant health, and resource
sustainability of farming systems.
availability. GIS aids in mapping and
visualizing farming systems, helping to
identify patterns and areas that need
targeted support.
REVIEW QUESTION
1.This method involves engaging directly
with farmers and local stakeholders
through discussions and mapping
activities to gather qualitative data
about their farming practices.

2. Farmers maintain detailed logs of

their daily farming activities, including
inputs used and yields obtained, to help
assess their performance over time.
REVIEW QUESTION
3. This approach uses mathematical
models to simulate farming systems and
assess the interactions between crops,
livestock, and resources to inform
decision-making.

4. An analysis is conducted to compare

the costs and benefits of various
farming practices, helping farmers
decide which methods are most
financially viable.
REVIEW QUESTION
5. Satellite imagery and mapping tools
are utilized to assess land use and
resource availability across different
agricultural areas.

6. A researcher conducts structured

questionnaires to gather numerical data
on farm characteristics and production
practices from a large group of farmers.
 ASSESSING THE
SUSTAINABILITY AND
RESILIENCE OF FARMING
SYSTEMS
Environmental
Sustainability:
Environmental sustainability in farming examines how
practices affect natural resources and ecosystems. It
evaluates factors like soil health, water quality,
biodiversity, energy use, and greenhouse gas
emissions. Using indicators such as soil organic
matter, water runoff, species richness, and carbon
footprint, the goal is to identify practices that reduce
environmental harm, improve resource efficiency, and
support ecosystem health.
 Social
Sustainability
Assesses the social and cultural dimensions of farming
systems, including labor conditions, community well-
being, and equity.

It involves evaluating factors such as income distribution,

access to education and healthcare, gender equality, and
community participation.
 Economic
Sustainability:
Focuses on the financial viability and resilience of
farming systems.
It involves assessing factors such as farm profitability,
market access, input costs, and risk management
strategies. Economic assessments can be conducted
through financial analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and
market assessments.
 Resilience
The ability of farming systems to withstand and recover
from disturbances or shocks, such as extreme weather
events, market fluctuations, or pest outbreaks.

Assessing resilience involves evaluating factors such as

diversification of income sources, flexibility in
production systems, adoption of climate-smart
practices, and access to support networks and
resources.
 Integrated
Assessments
Integrated assessments combine environmental, social, and
economic indicators to provide a holistic understanding of
the systems performance.
These assessments can be conducted using frameworks such
as the Sustainable Agriculture Assessment Framework
(SAAF) or the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA), which
provide structured methodologies and indicators for
evaluating different aspects of
farming systems.
Situational
analysis;
Thank You
For Your
Attention

Junami Arong
signing off