Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to explore and unpack three issues with significant practical implications that have bedeviled the understandings and practices of those who concern themselves with FSR (Farming Systems Research) or might do so in the future. The first issue is R&D practice itself – what do we do when we do R&D… or any form of practice for that matter? Secondly what constitutes ‘systems practice’ and where does the concept ‘system’ fit in this practice? Finally, what might be involved in institutionalising systems practice as a key ingredient of systemic and adaptive governance, is explored. It is argued that at this moment in human history we need to abandon old frames and engage with re-framings that give rise to practices that are better suited to our circumstances. Only by doing this is there some prospect of making the ‘systems’ part of the historical framing of FSR a hope for the future rather than a relic of the past.
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Notes
- 1.
In using Farming Systems Research I make no claim that this terminology is the best descriptor nor that it should be conserved. My own preference is for the prime descriptor to be Systems Practice following by the domain or context descriptor e.g. systems practice – food security or systems practice – farming innovation etc.
- 2.
Ackoff (2004) attributes this distinction to Peter Drucker; he relates it to the difference between reformation (changing the means of achieving an objective i.e. doing things right) and transformation (changing the objectives being pursued; i.e. doing the right thing). See http://www.phibetaiota.net/2009/10/about-doing-right-things-righter/; also http://www.pegasuscom.com/levpoints/ackoff_a-lifetime-of-systems-thinking.html
- 3.
In some papers we have used RD&E, where E is for extension.
- 4.
Or other forms of practice such as policy practice, evaluation practice etc.
- 5.
In this chapter I draw upon Ison (2010a) which is studied as part of this course as well as material prepared in conjunction with my colleague Chris Blackmore for the course (OU code TU812) study guide.
- 6.
See http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/arp/argyris.html. Accessed 29 September 2011.
- 7.
And it is a trap to think of tools and techniques as existing outside a practice and purpose dynamic.
- 8.
CoS refers to a Convergence of Sciences research program.
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Ison, R. (2012). Systems practice: making the systems in Farming Systems Research effective. In: Darnhofer, I., Gibbon, D., Dedieu, B. (eds) Farming Systems Research into the 21st Century: The New Dynamic. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4503-2_7
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