Integrating social and biophysical researching in R4D: African food security initiative researcher perspectives

Although much has been written about what is normatively desirable in better integrating different research approaches and disciplines there is considerable evidence of persistent constraints to praxis and to institutionalising new modes of practice within an enabling donor-programme project governance system. The research reported here sets out to elucidate researchers? understandings of opportunities and constraints to development of praxis in their own project and institutional contexts. Seventeen researchers from some AusAID funded agricultural research for development projects managed through a partnership between CSIRO and BecA (Biosciences eastern and central Africa) were engaged in reflective conversations on the topic of disciplinary integration in research practice, particularly integration between social and biophysical sciences. The report presents their perspectives.