| Author | Astia Dendi |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AC-99-05 |
| Subject(s) | Sustainable agriculture--Indonesia--Sumatra
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. AC-99-05 |
| Abstract | The issue of redefining of the government role in research and extension from top-down to bottom-up towards developing a modern sustainable agriculture is critical. Despite its success in promoting "green revolution teclmology" in irrigated lowland rice farming, the top-down "package extension" approach has been ineffective to tackle complex problems in upland areas. Many efforts of developing appropriate extension approaches, which is needed for the development of a modern sustainable agriculture in upland farming systems, are under going in Indonesia. This study was conducted in West Sumatra, in the context of IndonesianGerman Area Development Project (ProRLK). The project is developing participatory approaches with a focus on sustainable agriculture in upland areas. Since the project is presently undergoing its last phase of activities (the dissemination phase) in one hand, and the reorganization of the Indonesian agricultural extension and research institutions are undergoing on the other hand, a number questions regarding effective agriculture extension for sustaining agriculture innovations in upland areas are arising. These questions call for a systematic assessment in order that the achievement of the defined objectives are secured by 2001. A combination of formal and informal methodologies were applied, including informant interview, field observations, household interview, and participatory observation of a number of training courses. The study reveals that Farmers' participation in the process of exploring problems and developing solutions to the problems that they are facing, positively influences the adoption of promoted innovations. Moreover, secured land tenure, is a determinant of adoption of some principles of sustainable land use, particularly integration of trees. Tenurial security should be viewed from two dimensions-from the dimension of land owners and the dimension of tenant. The process of Participatory Technology Development and Paiiicipatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) training given by ProRLK shows synergic effects towards positive changes of attitude, perceptions, and qualification of the trainers. This study calls for a more flexible process and focus on broader activities than it was implemented during the second phase of the ProRLK while the basic principles remain applied. However, there are also some other rooms for improvements and some outstanding issues which call for immediate workable solutions. |
| Year | 1999 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. AC-99-05 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agricultural, Conservation and Rural Development (AC) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shivakoti, G.P.;Hansen, G.K.(Co-Chirperson); |
| Examination Committee(s) | Savage, William; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | GTZ-Germany, and Asian Institute of Technology; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999 |