Growing Food: A Guide to Food Production

spending some period of time in conversation, and observation, to discover exactly
which tools are the most appropriate.
For example, if the blades of the hoes that are provided are too heavy, or too light,
or if the handles are too long or too short, then many farmers will not use them.
If it is not possible to buy the correct tools in sufficient numbers it is often a good
idea to have them made locally. This way you will be more likely to get locally
acceptable tools, and you will also introduce work and money into, or close to, the
project area. The local blacksmiths or people who normally make tools should be
involved with this at all stages—they can teach young apprentices their skills, and they
will know which materials are available and which types of tools, and handles, are
acceptable and in demand in the area.

“Tool Handles—to have or not to have, that is the question”.
It is not always easy to decide to provide tools with or without handles. There are no
rules to follow, but the chart below summarizes some of the issues to help decide the
“with or without tool handle dilemma”—an apparently minor detail, but one which can
make or break the success of a tool distribution programme.

With Handles Without Handles

A d v a n t a g e s

• Better quality handles,
  normally than locally made


• 
  
  
  
  • Lower costs of purchase, storage
  
  
  • Farmers can make exactly the right
  
  
  • Delivery time from the supplier
  
  
  
  

D i s a d v a n t a g e s

• Higher costs of purchase,


• May be unsuitable quality (type
  of wood, length of handle etc.)


• Delivery time may be longer,
  especially if different suppliers
  
  
  • Increased deforestation in the project
    area and surroundings from tree
  
  
  • Some families will be unable to
    make good quality handles
  
  
  • Time delay before the tools can be
  
  
  
  

N Irrigation

Irrigation is the practice of applying water to plants. In arid regions irrigation can, and
often does, supply all or almost all of the water needs of plants. In temperate regions
irrigation is usually supplementary to the natural rainfall, sometimes known as top-up
irrigation.
Water is becoming an increasingly valuable commodity. Many irrigation schemes
involve numerous, varied and contentious issues surrounding water rights. The

93

ones.

Tools can be used immediately.

and transport.

handles to suit them.

may be reduced.

transport and storage.

supply the tool and handle.

felling for supply of handles.

used.

GROWING FOOD – THE FOOD PRODUCTION HANDBOOK