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

learning objectives
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Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
• To create awareness and understanding among participants on the role of cage traps and scaring
materials as management strategies against rats in organic vegetable production; and
• To learn from other farmers their innovative practices in using different traps and scaring
materials as management strategies against rats in organic vegetable production.
materials
• Office supplies (e.g., Manila papers, notebooks, ball pens, marking pens, and crayons);
• Organically-grown vegetable crops in learning and adjoining field showing early signs of rat
infestation; and
• Different trap and scaring materials (e.g., cage traps, used cassette tapes, used plastic bags or
cellophane, wire, etc.).
methodology
• Field walks, hands-on, and brainstorming
steps
1. Divide participants in small groups and ask them to conduct field walks and observe as many
organic vegetable crops with early infestation signs of rats in learning and adjoining fields. Take
note of the signs of gnawing, nibbling, cut seedlings, and damaged plant parts (e.g., flowers,
pods, fruits, roots, tubers, etc.) and presence of runways and burrows in field. Interview other
farmers, if necessary. List down all observations related to the following:
5 Crops grown and crop stand;
5 Signs of rat damages on plants and plant parts;
5 Presence of runways, burrows, footprints, and feces; and
5 Management strategies employed by farmers, if any.
2. Go back to the processing area; brainstorm in small groups and present output to the big group.
3. Conduct participatory discussion to allow sharing of experiences among participants and
facilitators. Motivate farmers to share their best experiences in using different traps and
scaring materials against rats.