Resumen

DELGADO H., E. J.. Susteinable agriculture and agricultural research at INIA. Rev. Fac. Agron. [online]. 2002, vol.19, n.3, pp.219-229. ISSN 0378-7818.

This descriptive correlation study was designed to describe the level of involvement of agricultural researchers at the National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) ( previously known as FONAIAP) in sustainable agricultural activities in Venezuela. The study investigates the relationships between involvement in sustainable agriculture and orientation; attitude, and selected personal characteristics. A questionnaire divided into four parts was elaborated, in which the following characteristics were identified: orientation toward sustainable agriculture, attitude toward sustainable agriculture, involvement in sustainable agriculture and related personal characteristics. The target population was composed of 386 agricultural INIA researchers distributed in 17 research units. A proportional stratified sampling method was used to select 96 (25%) agricultural researchers to be included in the sample. 100% of the sample population responded. The results indicate a low level of use of components of sustainable agriculture in agricultural research activities, an open attitude towards sustainable agriculture, and a slightly positive attitude towards sustainable agriculture research. However, older researchers had more involvement in sustainable agriculture activities than younger researchers (r = 0.236, significant a 0.05). Researchers indicated that socioeconomic, environmental, and productive components are necessary in order to apply and maintain sustainable agriculture. Participation in sustainable agriculture activities was low and oriented towards training. Publication and generation of technology was practically nil. This study suggests the need for INIA researchers to increase their level of involvement in sustainable agriculture if they expect to reach small and subsistence farmers in Venezuela and to generate appropriate sustainable technology.

Palabras clave : Sustainable agriculture; INIA; involvement; attitude; orientation; research; Venezuela.