Farming System approach (aims and principles). Classification and characterization of faming systems in the Tropics (family structure, farm structure, institutional structure). Household analysis and farm management. Participatory approach (aims, principles and techniques). Multi-criteria decision making analysis. Cost benefit analysis. Project cycle management (programming, identification, formulation, implementation, evaluation, audit). The logical framework approach (overview, analysis and planning stage).
Chambers R. 1992, Rural appraisal: rapid, relaxed and participatory, IDS Discussion Paper, 311 [online: http://opendocs.ids.ac.uk/opendocs/bitstream/handle/123456789/774/Dp311.pdf?sequence=1 ]
Darnhofer I., Gibbon D. and Dedieu B. (Eds) 2012. The farming systems approach into the 21st century: The new dynamic, Springer, Berlin
Doppler, W., & Calatrava, J. (Eds.). 2000. Technical and social systems approaches for sustainable rural development. In Proceedings of the 2nd European IFSA Symposium, Granada,Spain [online: www.ifsa-europe.org]
European Commission, 2004. Project cycle management guideline [online: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/multimedia/publications/publications/manualstools/t101_en.htm]
European Commission, 2008. Guide to COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS of investment projects. [online: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/guides/cost/guide2008_en.pdf
Learning Objectives
The objective of the course is to enable the students to understand the principle of system analysis and to provide them with the skills needed to analyse the rural environment and identify solutions capable of improving the living conditions of the local communities.
By the end of the course, students shall become familiar not only with the principles of the farming system approach, but also with the tools needed to analyse the rural environment and formulate development projects.
Teaching Methods
Lectures and practicals
Type of Assessment
Written examination
Course program
Farming System approach (aims and principles). Classification and characterization of faming systems in the Tropics (family structure, farm structure, institutional structure). Household analysis and farm management. Participatory approach (aims, principles and techniques). Multi-criteria decision making analysis. Cost benefit analysis. Project cycle management (programming, identification, formulation, implementation, evaluation, audit). The logical framework approach (overview, analysis and planning stage).