Increasing the productivity of tropical farming systems

Raising and sustaining productivity of smallholder systems in the tropics by Willem Beets gives a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the factors that play a role in increasing the productivity of tropical farming systems. It gives guidance on how to cope with present problems and future difficulties which may arise from the adoption of new technologies. The author gives specific regional examples in addition to his general models, and explores the relationship between man and his environment, between economic and technical aspects, and between short-term and long-term considerations. He draws heavily on project experience in Africa and Asia and compares this with conditions in other tropical countries. The book, which follows a multidisciplinary approach, advocates constant consideration of the farmer's point of view and development within existing systems, rather than a widespread adoption of western-style systems which depend heavily on non-renewable energy, good infrastructure and institutions. Another philosophy guiding this work is that self-sufficiency and reliance are preferred to dependence on external inputs, even if this means a viability which is only marginal. Raising and sustaining the productivity of smallholder farming systems in the tropics by Willem C Beets 1990 approx 800pp, 300 illustrations price US$65 AgBe Publishing PO Box 9125 1800 GC Alkmaar THE NETHERLANDSRaising and sustaining the productivity of smallholder farming systems in the tropics by Willem C Beets 1990 approx 800pp, 300 illustrations price US$65 AgBe Publishing PO Box 9125 1800 GC Alkmaar THE NETHERLAND