Evolution of farming systems and system philosophy

Farming systems (FSs), and ways of thinking about them, evolved in space an d time. Rapid evolution took place in the last two decades when crop and li vestock yields increased, together with concerns about their socio-economic and biophysical tradeoffs. The application of farming systems research (FS R) to agricultural development was a response to problems arising from a pr edominantly reductionist approach to research and a cornucopian view of ext ernal inputs. Modern technologies were either not welcome or caused unexpec ted negative trade-offs. This paper reviews definitions and forms of FSR an d the need for evolution in thinking about agricultural development. Applic ation of thermodynamic theory (TDT)I to the study of farming systems influe nces discussion between cornucopians and conservationists, and between redu ctionist and holistic approaches to research. There is a need to recognize context (suitability of technology), and to pay more attention to relations within systems (system dynamics) and to defining criteria for sustainabili ty. The paper links biophysical and socio-economic processes, gives a physi cal background for the anthropomorphic concepts of waste, and reviews aspec ts of objectivism and constructivism. It is argued that FSR can only advanc e if the full portent of these issues is considered in thinking about devel opment of FSs. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.