- Which other crops are also sometimes grown which are acceptable to farmers and
also adapted to local conditions, but are not commonly cultivated by farmers?
Discover the reasons for the under utilisation of these crops eg “Not widely known”,
“seed unavailable or too expensive”, “the grain/root takes too long to cook (fuel in short
supply)” etc. If possible, obtain small quantities of named, improved varieties of these
crops so they can be grown and tested in the area (leader farmers). - Are all the crops harvested at approximately the same time?
Investigate the promotion or introduction of crops which can be harvested during the
“hungry gap”, or which grow quickly and so produce food (and/or income) earlier in
the year. Fruit trees may be appropriate, to spread the harvest labour peak. - Climatic Data
- What is the rainfall, temperature (and humidity) pattern?
Obtain any available meteorological data.
Is the data reliable? It is often incomplete or inaccurate, based on too few years data. - Is rainfall the main limiting factor to crop production?
Investigate local irrigation methods and means to improve them, and possible use of
more drought resistant crops and/or cultivars. See Section 1N, “Irrigation”, page 93.
3.Farming Practices
- What is the purpose of the agricultural rehabilitation programme?
There are often a number of goals to achieve eg to reduce food aid, to increase self
reliance—including production of a surplus for sale—to introduce improved crop
varieties or tools etc.
Take into account the programme’s negative aspects, such as possible depression of
local market prices, fostering a dependence on handouts, and imbalance/unfairness
created between beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.
A wide scale distribution of small quantities of several crops and varieties may well
have a greater impact in the long term than distribution of a larger weight per family of
just one or two crops or varieties. - Is the shortage of seeds or tools a major problem?
If the shortage of tools is considered to be a problem, try to obtain samples of the exact
types normally used. Photos can also be very useful when describing what is required to
the Head Office or potential suppliers.
For both tools and seed, investigate local and imported availability, prices, delivery
dates etc. Ensure that the need is widespread, ie applicable for the majority of
beneficiaries.
The use of questionnaires, for example when many people are gathered for a
distribution/vaccination programme, market day etc, can often provide valuable
information. Local farmers (non-beneficiaries) should also be asked the same questions.
The questionnaire should be relevant to future monitoring. Local staff and/or Ministry
of Agriculture personnel who are known and trusted by the people are the key to
obtaining useful and accurate data.