Information Flow-Methods And Systems Used In The Development Of Julie Mango Production And Marketing Systems In Dominica - A Critical Review

The Development of "Julie" Mango Production and Marketing Systems in Dominica has been the focus of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) between 1989 and 1996. The two-phase project, aimed at improving the productivity and marketability of "Julie" mango, utilized disciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches which included components of technology generation, validation, transfer, adoption, and commercialization. During project implementation literature reviews, surveys, networking, workshops, MPhil studies, seminars, field days, conferences and on-faim demonstrations, were some of the methods used to effect information flows. Despite the wide range of methods used to effect information flows, there was limited interaction between research scientist, extension officers, and farmers; seemingly resulting from non-adherance to established Farming Systems Research and Development (FSR/D) Methodologies refined by CARDI during the Fanning Systems Research and Development Project and the Agricultural Research and Extension Project (AREP). This resulted in the slow rate of transfer and adpotion of the technological package outside of the three demonstration farms and created cause for concern, as it may have negative implications for the wider adoption of the technological package. This paper reviews the different methods used to implement information flows from technology generation through to adoption and commercialization; the problems encountered and suggests that we adhere to CARDI refined FSRD Methodologies use under AREP, supported by the use of more sophisticated computer oriented rule based, simulated and geographical infromation systems, as a way forward.