Bringing Farmer Knowledge and Learning into Agricultural Research: How Agricultural Anthropologists Transformed Strategic Research at the International Rice Research Institute

Issue Date

2016

Abstract

During the post-Green Revolution period of rice research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), a wide range of innovative methodologies were introduced by anthropologists that transformed the way rice research is conducted, with a particular focus on valuing farmer knowledge, criteria, and practices, and on bringing farmers into the research process. This study presents a historic account of the contributions of eight practicing agricultural anthropologists at IRRI, one of the 15 world Consortium for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) centers, between 1978 and 2010. The types of research undertaken reflect how anthropologists work in the area of strategic research, with the mandate to contribute upstream to basic science and downstream to applied outcomes. We document the innovations of IRRI anthropologists, including methodologies by which integrated pest management interventions and other technical tools are adapted by and for farmers; as well as the development of Farmer Field Schools, farmer-to-farmer training, and other innovations drawing on anthropological skill sets.

Source or Periodical Title

Culture, Agriculture, Food and Environment

ISSN

2153-9553

Volume

38

Issue

2

Page

123-130

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

agricultural anthropology, CGIAR, history, IRRI, practicing anthropologists, rice research

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1111/cuag.12067

Digital Copy

yes

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