This book provides guidelines for farming systems research and development (FSR&D) as applied to conditions in developing countries. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist national governments interested in helping poor farmers-primarily small-scale farmers with limited resources. Therefore, the guidelines discuss the nature of FSR&D, processes and methodologies appropiate for various conditions, and alternative means for implementation. Because most of the applied work in FSR&D has been with cropping systems, this book of guidelines emphasizes cropping systems research. By synthesizing implemented and successful approaches, these guidelines have a strongly applied orientation