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The Farming Systems Research Teams (FSRTs) are provincially based and have the mandate to carry out farming systems research in respective provinces.  The FSRTs fall under the Division of Farming Systems and Social Sciences (FSSS). The main disciplines include Systems Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Nutrition and Rural Sociology.

Rationale

The largest proportion of Zambia’s rural population has farming as their main occupation. Approximately 85% of the farming community are small-scale farmers. It is important, therefore, that the heterogeneity that exists in the farming population is considered when formulating research work.  On-going analysis of the farming systems examines the small farmer situation in a holistic manner.  This leads to a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all household members and improved targeting of technology and content of commodity research programmes.

Overall objective

The overall objective of the FSSS division is to adapt technologies generated by the SCRB to farmer’s socio-economic and cultural settings.  The division strives to involve the small-scale farmers fully in the technology adaptation process, thereby contributing to the improvement of food security and nutrition at the household level.

Specific objectives

    To adapt technologies and recommendations to farmers’ socio – economic conditions.
    To identify production constraints and potentials of small scale farmers.
    To test improved/developed technologies on-farm.
    To strengthen research/extension/farmer linkages.
    To participate in the dissemination of improved appropriate technology.
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