CS - Complexity Of Transition To Alternative Farming Systems

This paper reports on aspects of doctoral research that explores ways of enhancing farmers’ capacity for transition towards more sustainable farming systems. The study was conducted in Australia and India to explore the learning experiences of those who had pursued a transition to sustainable food production. The research was conducted using action research methodology in which qualitative data were collected using convergent interviewing methods. The themes that emerged suggest that a mere substitute of inputs may not be sufficient for making transitions to sustainable systems. Effective transition requires a fundamental change in the way soil is viewed.