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Abstract
Introduction: Farming systems research (FSR) projects should more effectively incorporate a food consumption perspective in the design and testing of new agricultural technology. This will enable FSR projects to take into consideration the importance of securing adequate family food supplies as a goal of farmers, as well as help identify technological alternatives that are compatible with consumption preferences of farm families. With this objective in mind, this paper outlines a number of food consumption issues which should be addressed to facilitate this incorporation. These issues are presented under four broad categories which are not mutually exclusive. These include: 1) Awareness; 2) Implementation; 3) Utilization and 4) Evaluation. Ultimately, it is hoped, this brief presentation will stimulate discussion and eventually bring about improvements in conceptualization, implementation, and measurement of these issues. This will aid the Nutrition Economics Group, OICD, USDA and the Office of Nutrition, Bureau of Science and Technology, USAID in the development of a research strategy to identify, test and evaluate alternative ways of integrating consumption concerns into the design, implementation, and evaluation of agricultural research projects with on-farm components. The major long-term objective of this research will be to prepare a set of guidelines for project designers and managers. This presentation begins with a discussion of the food consumption issues pertaining to awareness, followed by those relevant to implementation, utilization and evaluation.