Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for - Aseanipm ...

How long will this exercise take?
112
Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
• Thirty minutes to one hour for field walks, observations, interaction with farmers, and handson
in learning field; and
• Thirty minutes for brainstorming session in processing area.
learning objectives
• To create awareness and understanding among participants on the role of contour farming as a
soil conservation strategy for organic vegetable production in sloping areas; and
• To learn from others and do hands-on of proper contour farming practices for organic vegetable
production in sloping areas.
materials
• Office supplies (e.g., Manila papers, notebooks, ball pens, marking pens, and crayons);
• Other materials (e.g., marking, leveling and staking materials, grab hoe, shovel or spading fork,
tape measure, bolo or scythe); and
• Sloping organic vegetable fields ready for land preparation in learning and adjoining fields.
methodology
• Field walks, hands-on, and brainstorming
steps
1. Divide participants in small groups and ask them to conduct field walks and observe different
contour farming practices for organic vegetables grown in sloping areas. Take note of cultural
management practices employed. Interview other farmers, if necessary. List down all
observations related to the following:
5 Kind of crops (e.g., vegetable and perennial crops) planted and crop stand;
5 Row orientation of crops grown in relation to topography; and
5 Cultural management practices employed, etc.
2. Go back to processing area; brainstorm in small groups and present output to the big group.
Conduct participatory discussion to allow sharing of experiences among participants and
facilitators. Motivate farmers to share their best experiences in contour farming practices for
organic vegetables grown in sloping areas.