Farming System Programme

The Farming Systems Research Programme (FSRP) of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, is a key component of the Institute’s Research Outreach Department. The Programme has a zonal mandate for the total farming systems research across the South-East Geopolitical zone, covering Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.

The Programme focuses on understanding farmers’ production realities and developing practical and sustainable technologies that address identified challenges while improving productivity, resource efficiency, and rural livelihoods.

Research and Development Activities

Through both on-station and on-farm research, the Farming Systems Research Programme identifies agricultural production constraints and opportunities, evaluates improved production technologies, and supports their adoption by farmers.

Its areas of activity include:

• Root and tuber crop integration
• Agroforestry
• Livestock
• Fisheries
• Climate change and agro-ecology
• Farmer training

 

The Programme adopts a farming systems approach that considers the interrelationships among different agricultural activities and promotes the efficient utilization of available resources within farming systems.

Technology Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement

The Farming Systems Research Programme facilitates the dissemination and adoption of agricultural technologies through Monthly Technology Review Meetings, Fortnightly Trainings, field visits, and workshops. These activities provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, technology evaluation, and interaction among agricultural stakeholders.

The Programme also participates in the Research–Extension–Farmer–Input Linkage System (REFILS), strengthening linkages and collaboration among researchers, extension personnel, farmers, input providers, NGOs, Policy makers and other agricultural stakeholders.

Production Technologies and Farming Systems

The Programme has contributed to the development and dissemination of improved production packages covering key aspects of crop production, including crop varieties, plant population, fertilizer use, Integrated nutrient management, weed management, yam staking, harvesting, and storage.

It has also supported the integration of root and tuber crops and their residues into livestock and fish production, promoting more efficient utilization of available agricultural resources and supporting more sustainable farming systems.

Commitment to Sustainable Farming

The Farming Systems Research Programme remains focused on generating and supporting the application of practical agricultural technologies that respond to farmers’ production realities. Through research, technology evaluation, training, and stakeholder linkages, the Programme contributes to improving farming systems and supporting sustainable agricultural development across the South-East Geopolitical zone.