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

learning objectives
342
Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
• To make participants aware of and understand the contribution of crop diversification for the
management of organic vegetable pests and diseases; and
• To learn from other farmers the best crop diversification schemes for management of organic
vegetable pests and diseases.
material
• Note books, ball pens, Manila papers, marking pens, and masking tapes; and
• Conventional and organic vegetable fields showing mono-cropping and crop diversification.
methodology
• Field walk and brainstorming
steps
1. The participants conduct field walk, observe crops grown or crop combinations followed by and
interact with farmers in the area to gather other relevant information on crop diversification. All
observations, including severity of pest and disease damages, crop stand, kind of crops grown,
cultural practices, etc. should be noted. Sample plants infected with diseases or damaged by
pests may be collected for further assessment. Experiences shared by farmers should be noted;
2. The participants return to processing area, brainstorm in small groups, summarize their
observations and experiences shared by farmers, and present their outputs to the big group; and
3. All learning experiences shared by participants should be synthesized and integrated into one
output. Conclusions and recommendations should be drawn from the exercise.
some suggested questions for processing discussion
❏ Did farmers practice mono-cropping or crop diversification?
❏ What crops did farmers grow in this area? What crop combinations did farmers follow?
❏ What pests and diseases were observed in areas that practiced mono-cropping? In areas that
practiced crop diversification, which practice had more pest and disease problems?
❏ How can crop diversification help prevent pest and disease outbreaks in the area? What crop
combinations had less pest and disease problems?