Abstract

This study was conducted within a Farming Systems Research project, after its diagnostic phase and as part of the on-farm research design stage. The objective was to develop and apply a mathematical model to aid in understanding the functioning of a small-scale farming system, and in evaluating ex ante the potential impact of different technological and rural development actions. Multiple objective programming proved to be a useful tool in reaching these objectives, as it highlighted the specific roles of the different production activities and the relationships between them at the whole-farm level. This study was conducted using data from small-scale peasant production systems in the VIIIth Region of Chile.