Summary and conclusions

The processes of agrarian change and the problems created by such change result in growth, decline, or stagnation as the net balance over time between investment and disinvestment There are institutional, technical, and human aspects of agrarian change. Recursive programming models, general system-science simulations, and information control theory have been examined in order to determine their potential contributions to a study of the processes of change particularly when they are viewed as adaptive processes. There is a close relationship between these three approaches, especially when explicit attention is given to the informal ‘components’ associated with their problem-solving use. This relationship involves interactions between (1) investigation, decision-making, and responsibility bearing or, alternatively, between investigators, decision-makers, and those affected; (2) the feedback loops important in theories of adaptive behavior, control theory, and cybernetics; and (3) the iterative modelling and computing characteristics of the general, system-science simulation approach when carried out in close interaction with decision-makers. Our examination of the problems of real world decision-makers (as contrasted to those persons making decisions about disciplinary matters in academia) indicates that, typically, many disciplines are involved in solving a particular practical problem. A great variation in the required mix of disciplines occurs as different practical problems are studied. Since the problems of agrarian change often originate in and are solved by institutional, technical, and human change, problem-solving research often deals with understanding and adjusting the processes of change. The need to deal with the subject matter of many disciplines typically exceeds the capacity of one individual. Thus, problem-solving teams are ordinarily required. However, the need for contributions from many disciplines does not justify the neglect of any discipline. Further, disciplinary excellence is important in solving any particular problem. The main purpose of this set of articles has been to suggest a number of ideas which cast some light on the major obstacles faced by those studying the processes of agricultural change. Approaches are suggested for dealing with issues which face individual agents or society at large as a consequence of the changes taking place in agriculture. It is now time to assess what has been achieved and to point out the main limitations of our current knowledge. Then we can propose orientations and projects designed to overcome the difficulties encountered.