5. Geography farming sba.docx

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Methodology

How

A questionnaire containing twenty – two questions was constructed with the aid of secondary

resources such as the internet and textbooks. It was used to collect some general information and

those pertaining to the research. The research was carried out by choosing the farmers randomly

and issuing them the questionnaires. To enhance the research, the researcher pursued a strong

conversation with most of the farmers which was in some instances successful and thus helpful.

Also observations of plants and were made and interesting photographs were taken. The

questionnaire which is the primary source of data collection may be found in the appendix of this

booklet. The data collected was communicated with information from secondary sources such as

the internet websites and textbooks.

When

The data collection commenced on aturday, !ovember "#, $%"& between the hours of '(%% am

and &(%% pm when farmers are expected to be in their fields. ince the information collected was

not enough the research was continued and completed on aturday, )ecember $%, $%"& between

the hours of "(%% pm and *(%% pm.

Where

The primary method of collection of data was done in +lagaman, t. li-abeth, amaica. The

road distance is approximately *% km south –west of /andeville /anchester, $& km south –

west of !ain, t. li-abeth, "* km west south – west of unction and $0 km outh ast of 1ack

2iver.

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Data Presentation and Analysis

According to the ingh, 2.3 4$%%05, traditional farming is an integral part of the amaica6s

economy. The agricultural activity there is characteri-ed by two very distinct types( a small

number of large scale producers of export crops and cattle and a large number of very small

farms producing mainly for the domestic market and home consumptions.The community of +lagaman is located in the parish of t. li-abeth, also known as the

breadbasket of amaica. The main crops cultivated in t. li-abeth are cassava, coffee, onions,

pimentos, sugar cane, tomatoes and water melons.1ased on the research done, it is evident that the type of farming practised in +lagaman t.

li-abeth is peasant. According to !iles, ohn 4$%%05, peasant farming describes small7scale

farming for subsistence as well as for cash sale in the market. /a8ority of the crops cultivated

there are cantaloupe, honey dew, tomatoes and melon which is done in a small amount.

Characteristics of farming in Flagaman

9ender of respondentsThe research shows that ma8ority of farmers in +lagaman are males 4'*:5 and the remaining

females 4#:5 as depicted in +igure * below. These statistics reflect the tradition where male

farmers are normally the ones who do the cultivation of crops.

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Female

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

6.00%

94.00%

Gender of Respondents

Gender of respondents

Gender

Percentage of respondents

+igure * showing the gender of respondents

Age 9roup of 2espondentsThe graph below shows by percentage farmers who are of different age group. In accordance,

minority of the farmers are between "; and $0 years – six percent 4#:5 and the ma8ority *% years

< over – fifty nine 40':5. +armers think that this is a negative threat to future farming. =ne of

the problems is that younger people who have the potential to farm often shy away because of

the required hard work and dedication.

6%

23%

12%59%

Age Group of Respondents

18 - 25 years

26 - 32 years

33 - 39 years

40 years & !er

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+igure 0 showing the age group of respondents interviewed

>urpose of farming in +lagaman

+armers in +lagaman are mainly involved in peasant farming – cultivation of land on a small

scale. It was observed from figure # below that the ma8or purpose of farming is as a business –

one hundred 4"%%:5. All farmers farm with the intention to bring home a small amount of

produce enough to feed family members. This saves the money they would use to buy from the

market. Twenty nine percent 4$':5 of farmers do farming since the land is inherited from older

generations who usually practise it. In return they consider it as an inheritance to their younger

ones in the long run if they are interested, thus triggering the tradition to be sustained. It is also

one of the communities6 livelihood according to some farmers – sixty five percent 4#0:5.

0%20%40%60%80%

100%120%

100% 100%

29%

65%

Purpose of farming

P"rpose of farm#ng

Purpose of farming

Percentage of repondents

+igure # showing the purpose?s of farming in +lagman, t. li-abeth

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Conditions for farming

oil +ertility+arming in +lagaman is ideal mainly because of its wonderful soil type – loam. @oam soil

contains a mixture of the characteristics of the three principal soil groups and a higher

concentration of organic matter. 1ecause of its well7balanced properties, loamy soil is highly

regarded for agricultural purposes, is easy to work and conducive to fruitful growing. @oam soil

supports farming mainly by retaining a moderate level of moisture thus giving cultivated plants

sufficient water. Also as a result the tendency of the soil to be waterlogged is reduced.limateAccording to the farmers the climate does not have any real negative impact on crops instead it is

ideal for the growth of some crops. The weather changes sometimes cause small problems which

mainly include Btoo much moisture as a result from continuous rainfalls6. The unpredictable

weather conditions may also destroy large quantities of produce.

Problems faced by small farmers

!atural disasters !atural )isasters are ma8or threats to farmers. !atural disasters such as hurricane and drought

affect every farmer causing rapid destruction and resulting in farmers losing all?most of their

investments. +ifty nine percent 40':5 of the farmers from the research are affected by flash –

floods. The remaining may have escaped this since effects of floods depend uniformly on the

relief of the land. In order words, farmers who farm on hilly areas are more likely to escape

floods than those farming on flat land.ince the destruction of crops from hurricanes and droughts is difficult to avoid farmers think

that the government do something in order to assure them future security and compensation for

past losses. According to the graph below all the farmers would be comfortable if the

government could pay special attention to reduce the effects of natural disasters or grant them

insurances. A total of seventy one per cent 4C":5 of farmers think government should provide

conditions for proper storage.

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Grant farmers #ns"ran$e

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

100%

1%

100%

Solution to eects of natural disasters

ales

Suggested Solutions

Percentage of respondennts

+igure C showing what farmers think the government should do to assist them manage the effects natural disasters.

@and si-e? @abour/a8ority of the farmers in flagman farms on a land with si-e of between " – * hectares. =ne

reason for this is because farmers do not have enough money to invest in land of greater si-es.

Although some farmers are willing and able to hire help, these small farms have to compete with

larger estates that are able to offer better working conditions. The required technology which

could be used to improve yields or purchase the fertili-ers they need is costly which a

disincentive for farmers who would consider investing in greater land si-es.

>est and diseasesThe effects of pest and diseases are a ma8or problem in the agricultural industry mainly in terms

of the cultivation of crops. These problems are similar to that which farmers in +lagaman, t.

li-abeth faced. According to the graph below, all the farmers interviewed are equally affected

by pest and disease.

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'eter#orat#on of (rops

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

ects of Pest and diseases

)*e$ts of Pest & d#seases

ects

Percentage of Respondents

+igure ; showing the effect that pest and diseases has farming in flagman.

+armers in +lagman on a whole encounter similar problems with pest and diseases. They suffer

greatly from the effects of pest such as the Beet armyworm7 podoptera exigua 43uebner5,

aphids or plant lice.According to tansly >.A. 4$%""5, the 1eet Armyworm was originated as far as in the outheast

Asia. It is a pest that infects a large number of crops. The young larvae eat leaves, stems and

flowers. As they mature, the larvae become solitary and eat away large irregular holes into the

foliage. This pest does damages mainly to scallion, onion, pepper, beet root, watermelon and

cantaloupe. This type of pest is hard to control because it develops quickly under local

conditions, giving many generations per year. The female lays numerous eggs in its lifetime. The

moths are strong fliers and can therefore infest very large areas. Insecticides are usually not very

effective as the worms are usually protected inside the leaves and are also tolerant to many of

these materials. ultural practise are used to reduce infestation in which crop rotation is done

along with field sanitation. Also mechanical control is done where farmers hand pick and destroy

eggs and worms. The beet armyworm is regarded as the most dangerous defoliator of crops

farmers have ever seen recently in +lagaman.

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>hotograph " showing mature larvae of the beet army worm

>hotograph $ showing the effects of the beet armyworm

Aphids also known as plant lice are another ma8or problem. According to tansly >.A. 4$%""5,

these are common pests that are usually present to some degree in every crop and can be

controlled. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate

regions. They feed by thrusting their sharp hallow beaks in among the plant cells and sucking out

8uices from the phloem. The saliva that is in8ected during feeding causes the foliage to become

twisted, curled or cupped. Aphids generally can be recogni-ed by their pear7like shape, a pair of

tube7like processes at the posterior end of their body, and fairly long antennae. They also vary in

colour from green, yellow, red, purple, brown, or black.

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/ature larvae of the beetarm worm

ffects of beet

armyworm

larvae on

foliage



>hotograph & showing the accumulation of aphids or plant lice on plant.

Powdery mildew is the ma8or disease that most of the farmers complain about. According to –

=rganic 9ardening.om 4$%"*5, it is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants. It is one

of the most wide spread disease and is easily recogni-ed. +armers complain that they have to pay

keen attention on almost every single plant to make sure this disease is not evident. It forms a

white to greyish powdery growth, usually on the upper surfaces of leaves. mall black dots

appear and produce spores that are blown by wind to infect new plants. @eaves will become

brown and shrivel when mildew is extensive. +armers say that this disease will spread from one

single plant to several different plants in one day. As a result from powdery mildew fruits ripen

prematurely and have poor texture and flavour. 1icarbonate sprays are used by farmers to

prevent the spread of infection.

>hotograph * showing effects of the powdery mildew disease.

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Accumulation of

aphids or plant lice on

plants

ffects of powdery mildew



>hotograph 0 shows a fungicide used by the farmers to prevent spreading of infection.

>raedial @arcenyAccording to a recent article, published by the 9leaner 4anuary "$, $%"$5 entitled B+ight

praedial larcenyD, praedial larceny is unfortunately treated with very scant regard and as a result,

there is limited enforcement. Ehen the two7foot puss robs a farmer or his crop, his livestock, or

causes illicit fires to cane fields, it is not only hurting the farmer but is also a ma8or loss in terms

of energy and financial investment . >raedial larceny poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of

farmers and serves as a disincentive for investment in agricultural activities.F>raedial larceny is believed to cost the agriculture sector between G0 billion and G# billion,

annually. All places that practises farming in amaica is more than likely to suffer from praedial

larency.According to the graph below seventy six percent 4C#:5 of the farmers interviewed have never

suffered from praedial larency. 3owever, twenty four 4$*:5 suffers thus posing a threat to the

livelihood of the farmers.

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+ungicide spray used by

farmers to prevent

infection of powdery

mildew



0%10%20%30%40%50%

60%0%80%

0% 0%

24%

6%

ects of Praedial larenc$

er#es 1

ects

Percentage of Respondents

+igure ' shows how farmers are affected by >raedial @arceny

olutions to >raedial @arcenyAll of the farmers interviewed consider the idea to implement proper fencing as good as depicted

in +igure "% below. >roper fencing would restrict the easy access to each cultivated piece of

hence reducing praedial larceny. Hnfortunately the idea is held back because farmers do not have

the money to pursue this pro8ect. ighty eight percent 4;;:5 of the farmers says that individuals

should suffer drastic sanctions. This would threaten the praedial larceners causing them to keep

away from farm. Thirty five percent 4&0:5 thinks the use of watchman could be recommended.

This would be helpful since the specific individuals could be identified even without an alert at

the moment, however they could be prosecuted at a later date.

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+,e "se of at$,man

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

120%

35%

100%

88%

29%

Solutions to Praedial %arenc$

ol"t#ons to Praed#al aren$y

Suggested solutions

Percentage of respondents

+igure "% shows what solutions farmers recommend to prevent praedial @arency

TransportationMar!eting Problems

ince farming is done as a business, the goods produce on the farm requires transportation to the

markets. +armers without their own transportation encounter problems whereas the produce that

is transported is damage due to the rugged and bumpy condition of the road. These conditions

push away buyers and increase the length of time taken for the produce to be sold thus causing

them to be spoilt due to inefficient storage conditions. Also the prices offered for their goods may

be too low in their perspective depending on the market prices. +armers who have their own

transportation further encounter problems in the market. ome of these problems include

competition from foreign goods, not many buyers and most commonly the prices offered for

their goods. In addition, the distance from the market is a problem for every farmer when

considered.Eith intention to resolve the competition from foreign goods, farmers agree that the government

should reduce the importation of foreign goods specifically that which is similar to what local

farmers produce and to consider setting up purchasing and retailing boards for farmers, crops.

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Concl"sion

1ased on the investigation done to identify the problems that peasant farmers faced in +lagaman,

t. li-abeth, it can be concluded that ma8ority of the farmers are males. +arming in +lagaman is

done mainly as a business and to supply households. It also serves as one of the community6s

livelihood. Another reason farming is done in +lagaman is because of its ideal climate, wonderful

soil attributes and the supportiveness of the relief of the land in some instances.

Along with the good aspects, farming in +lagaman, t. li-abeth are open a lot of problems.

+armers in flagman are unable to farm on land over " 7* hectares because they do not have

enough money to invest. Also they do not have enough money to hire help while they have to

compete with larger estates who can afford better working conditions.

ome of the most enduring problems are those faced with pest and disease, praedial larceny and

those which are faced through marketing. The most effective pest is the beet armyworm which

feed large irregular holes into the foliage of plants and is highly resistant to most insecticides.

+armers use cultural practises and mechanical control to reduce the effects of this pest.

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A ma8or disease is the powdery mildew which forms a white to greyish powdery growth, usually

on the upper surfaces of leaves which as a result causes the leaves of the plant to become brown

and shrivel when mildew is extensive. +ungal insecticides that contain bicarbonate are used to

reduce the spread of infection.+armers also suffer greatly from praedial larceny which is treated with scant regard by the

government and as result farmers encounter financial losses regularly. The livelihood of the

community is also threatened.Also the prices of goods are frequently insufficient because of market prices. ompetition with

foreign goods serves as a nightmare for farmers, appealing for the government to reduce the

importation of foreign goods and to set up purchasing and retailing boards for some crops.

+armers work very hard to reduce these problems which are a ma8or time consuming procedure.

They are desperately in need of the governments6 assistance in some aspects.It can be concluded that farmers in flagman do face massive challenges despite they continue to

be loyal to their farming practises and holds on to the best aspects.

/#l#ograp,y

('. 2011. (ar#ean gr#$"lt"ral esear$, and 'e!elopment nst#t"te.

etr#e!ed from ,ttp77.$ard#.org7$o"ntry-o$es7ama#$a7

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9uiness, >aul et al. 4$%%;5, #eography for C$%C( Agriculture. )elta >lace, Hnited ingdom(

!elson Thornes @td.

amaica =bserver . 4$%"&5. /inistry of Agriculture moves to control spread of Army Eorms.

/arch "C, $%"*. &etrie'ed from http(??www.8amaicaobserver.com?westernnews?/inistry7of7

Agriculture7moves7to7control7spread7of7Army7Eorms

!iles, ohn. 4$%%05. Modern Caribbean #eography( >art &/an /ade ystem ". !atural

2esurces and >rimary Industries. Towns 2oad, =xford, /acmillan >ublishers @td.

rgan#$ Garden#ng. 2014. (ommon Plant '#seases and '#sorders. etr#e!ed

from ,ttp77.organ#$garden#ng.$om7learn-and-gro7$ommon-plant-d#seases-and-

d#sorders

2ahil, John A./. 4$%"$5, (ew Caribbean #eography with /ap 2eading and K Luestions.

Eest Indies, Trinidad, aribbean ducational >ublishers.

tansly >.A. 4$%""5. Chapter )*( Insects That Affect Jegetable rops. Hniversity of +lorida.

+,e Gleaner. )stal#s,ed 1834. (lar:e "rges $ops to ;g,t praed#al lar$eny.

<an"ary 26= 2012. etr#e!ed from ,ttp77ama#$a-

gleaner.$om7gleaner7201201267lead7lead9.,tmls

Tally $heet

9ood day /adam?ir. I am a 0th year student at the dearteret 3igh chool in /andeville, /anchesterand have chosen to do a study on farming in +lagaman for my geography chool – 1ased Assessment. I

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have put together a questionnaire to collect some information on some of the challenges you and yourfarming family face generally, which will enhance my 1A substantially. It would be great if you give meyour attention and some response for about "% minutes or less as I ask these questions from my booklet.Thank Mou.

"5 Ehat gender are youN /ale IIII IIII IIII I

+emale I

$5 Ehat age group are youN "; – $0 years I

$# – &$ years IIII

&& – &' years II

*% years < =ver IIII IIII

&5 3ow long have you been in the farming industryN " – 0 years III

# – "" years III

"$ – "C years IIII

"C < over IIII II

*5 Ehat type of farming is done in flagamanN >easant farming IIII IIII IIII II

ommercial farming

Arable farming

>astoral farming

/ixed farming

05 Ehat is the purpose of peasant farming in +lagamanN 1usiness IIII IIII IIII II

ustain Tradition IIII

@ivelihood IIII IIII I

upplication of households IIII IIII IIII II

#5 Ehat is the estimate si-e of the landN " – * hectares IIII IIII

0 – "% hectares IIII

"" – "# hectares II

"C – $$ hectares

$& < over hectares

C5 Ehat influenced you to become a farmerN ducation II

+amily tradition III

!o other way out IIII IIII II

=ther, please specify

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..

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;5 Ehat makes +lagaman a good place for farmingN The fertility of the soil IIII IIII IIII II

A satisfactory climate IIII IIII IIII II

The relief of the land IIII IIII

=ther, please specifyOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

'5 Ehat types of crops are you involved in cultivatingN Tomatoes IIII IIII IIII II

scallion III

@ettuce III

abbage IIII III

ucumbers IIII III

/elon IIII IIII IIII II

antaloupe IIII IIII IIII II

Thyme IIII

3oney )ew IIII IIII IIII II

=ther, please specifyOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"%5 Ehat type of soil do you farm on mostlyN and

lay

@oam IIII IIII IIII II

""5 Ehat are problems encountered on the soilN >oor )rainage

)oes not retain fertility well

Appearance of troublesome weeds III

)ifficult to plough

!o problem IIII IIII IIII

"$5 3ow do you care the soilN Hse of artificial manures IIII IIII IIII II

Hse of animal droppings IIII

Hse of fertili-ers rich in nitrogen

"&5 Ehat natural disasters are you mostly affected by. )rought IIII IIII IIII II

+lash7flood IIII IIII

3urricane

Hnpredictable weather conditions IIII IIII IIII II

"*5 Ehat are some ma8or effects of these natural disastersN 2apid destruction IIII IIII IIII II

hortage of ground provision in community IIII

+armers loss most? all their investment IIII IIII IIII II

=ther, please specify OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"05 Ehat could the government do to encourage farming despite natural disastersN

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=ffer farmers insurances and loans IIII IIII IIII II

>ay special attention to farmers IIII IIII IIII II

>rovide conditions for proper storage IIII IIII IIII II

=ther please specify OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

"#5 Ehat are some problems faced through marketingN

+armers do not get to choose their prices

ompetition from foreign goods IIII IIII IIII II

!ot many buyers IIII IIII IIII II

=ther please specify OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....

"C5 Ehat can the government do to provide market Import less foreign goods IIII IIII IIII II

Advertise markets for local farmers IIII

=ther please specifyOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..

";5 Ehat are some ma8or problems faced with transportation

1ad roads IIII IIII IIII II )istance from market IIII IIII IIII II

"'5 Ehat dangers do pests and diseases poseN

)eterioration of crops IIII IIII IIII II

+armers lost money and food supply IIII IIII IIII II

ause farmers more money IIII IIII IIII II

=ther, please specifyOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

$%5 Ehat measures are taken to reduce damage done by pestsN The use pesticides

The use of chemicals IIII IIII IIII II

1iological control

=ther, please specifyOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.OOOOOO

$"5 Ehat are some effects of praedial larcenyN Illicit fires

Threatens the livelihood of farmers IIII IIII IIII II

+inancial loss

!ot affected IIII IIII III

$$5 Ehat measures could be taken to reduce the effects of praedial larcenyN Implement proper fencing IIII IIII IIII II

The use of watchman IIII I )rastic sanctions IIII IIII IIII

=ther, please specifyOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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5. Geography farming sba.docx