- Altitude
- At what height(s) above sea level are the farmers growing their various crops?
Obtain the best available (contour) maps and/or use a pocket altimeter in the field.
Some crops are only adapted to certain altitudes, and some varieties are better adapted
to high altitudes than others. - What is the latitude?
Check on a map. Day-length sensitive crops such as soybeans may not grow well when - Harvest
- What are the normal yields in the area for each crop?
Give both lowest and higher figures, such as “from less than 300 kg to about 900 kg”,
with explanations for the differences. The by-products may be very valuable, such as
the stems of sorghum and maize used for fuel, animal food and building material—see
1Ib, “Yield”, page 76. - Will some of the harvested crop from the seed you provide be retained for sowing
in the next season?
Consider distributing different crops, or varieties, or tools, in the second year of the
programme. Advise farmers to select seed or cuttings/roots from the best plants. The
“Underexploited Crops”, pages 266–287.
If there are serious problems, consider either providing seed of crops which store more
banks), or pesticides/traps/bounties etc. Because seed should be stored as dry and cool
as possible, in hot or humid places consider transportation of the seed to cooler and less
humid places until planting season—see 1O, “Storage”, pages 100–103.
- Markets
markets?
Observe quantities, prices and seasonal variations. If possible, maintain weekly records
of prices of all available staples and animals.
Market prices, and the way these rise and fall, can be a very sensitive indicator of the
food supply situation. Ideally this data should be collected by a local(known) person.
agency/NGO or others, or by government?
Investigate the reasons for them being sold and not used, and in what quantity and at
what prices, and modify your programme if required.
- How do farmers transport their produce to the market? Is this a problem for them?
Investigate the transport systems. Sometimes, assistance with transportation can be a
highly relevant form of support.
they are introduced from an area of different latitude—see 1Ej, “Day-length/
Photoperiodism”, pages 42-43.
322 TONY WINCH
easily, such as Finger Millet, or assistance with improved storage facilities (eg seed
distribution of small quantities of less well-known crops may be very valuable—see 2G,
- What are the problems with post-harvest (storage) losses?
- Are there goods for sale in the markets which have been distributed by your
- What kinds and quantities of food, seed and animals are available in the local