H.J.W. Mutsaers
Peasants, Farmers and Scientists
A Chronicle of Tropical Agricultural Science in the Twentieth Century
▶ Presents a thorough review of 20th century tropical agronomy
▶ Examines African farming methods, past, present, and future
▶ Discusses findings from agricultural research, including farming
systems research
▶ Explores the rise of computer modeling of crops and crop production
▶ Explains the roles of donors, experts, and consultants
2007, XXVIII, 608 p.
Printed book
Hardcover
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This book is a critical account of tropical agricultural science and agricultural development
in the twentieth century, in particular in Africa. It describes successes as well as fads and
failures, from the perspective of a practitioner of more than 40 years. The emphasis is on
the second half of the century, but the story frequently reaches deep into the first half of
the century as well.
The book’s premise is that the story of tropical agricultural science and agricultural
development can be told in a single volume at a more than trivial level, understandable
for people of normal intelligence. It tries to uncover what real value there has been in the
major areas of study (Farming Systems Research, Natural Resource Management, crop
modelling, etc.) after peeling off the multiple protective layers applied by the profession.
It also takes a critical look at agricultural and general development which has become
inflated with hot air to the point of blowing itself apart in the early twenty first century.
A wide range of topics is covered, including interesting early science from the
beginning of the last century (sugarcane breeding and shifting cultivation in Indonesia,
anthropological studies in German West Africa), fascinating indigenous farming practices
in Africa, the history of Farming Systems Research and its offshoots, sense and nonsense
of computer modelling of crop growth, and the role of development projects and
consultants. The treatment is closely linked with the author's professional career, but the
emphasis is on the subject matter.
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