multipurpose tree species research for small farms: strategies ... - part

Survey and Participant Observation Research Methods
The impcrtance of combining survey and
participant observation research methods in
understanding the p-oblems and issues faced by
small-scale farmers in rural areas is demonstrated
in this paper.
Personal experience, field observations and
data analysis have shown that the data col!ected by
survey research alone are misleading or unreliable
because rural farmers often respondwiih
information that does not accurately portray the
situation being studied. On th," nther hand,
through participant observation, the ,csearcher
estab ishes a closer rapport with the farmers and is
thus able to collect more reliable data.
The participant observation method also has its
limitations. Its use is normally restricted to a small
segment of the population and is time consuming.
If the objective is to study rural farmers over an
extensive area within ashort period of time, a
better understanding of the situation can be
achieved through a combination of small surveys
and participant observation methods. This is
particularly appropriate when manpower and
other constraints exist. Participant observation is
important in leading the way before any effective
survey is undertaken. A combination of these two
research methods would enhance the successful
introduction and iniplementation of suitable
piojects using multipurpose tree species (MPTS)
Background
Before implementing any MPTS project, a
sound research methodology to underst ,dthe
socioeconomic conditions of the target group
should be formulated. The research methods used
in data collection affect not only the development
programs but also their degree of success.
Effective implementation of deveiopment
programs for the rural poor depends on
understanding the problems and issues they face.
Studies have shown that some programs failed
simply because local needs, constraints and
practices were not taken into account (Evans
1988). Thus, a key factor contributing to the
success of development programs in rural
on Problems and Issues of Small-Scale Farmers
Lim Hin Fui
Forest Research Institute of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
32
agricultural communities is an understanding of
their fundamental problems.
The survey method is often used in
developing countries for socioeconomic studies
to examine the conditions and problems of rural
residents. In this method of data collection,
questioiis are asked of a sample of respondents,
using either a questionnaire or an interview
(Theodorson and Theodorson 1969). It is
generally used as a means of systematically
describing individuals' opinions, attitudes and
behaviors (Freeman and Sherwood 1970). The
researchers or their assistants visit the villagers
for a few hours, ask questions and record the
answers. Such data are often analyzed to
recommend programs to overcome the
problems of the poor.
Undoubtedly,this survey method provides
some understanding about conditions of the
rural poor. However, very often it does not
present an in-depth picture. Moreover, some
villagers may even give false or mi,,lead ng
information to the government officials. This
phenomenon was observed while carrying out
anthropological field research in Pelawan, a
rural Chinese New Village in Peninsular
Malaysia. Of the 117 households in Pelawan at
the time of the study in 1984-5, 115 households
were Chinese, one was Malay and one was
Indian. Most were engaged in agricultural
activities such as rubber tapping, oil palm
cultivation and vegetable farming. There was a
mine concession area in the region east of the
village and a forest reserve to the northeast.
The Surveys
During the author's fieldwork inthe village
(November 1984-February.1985), two surveys
were conducted on the socioeconomic
conditions of the villagers. The first was
undertaken by three Malay undergraduates of a
local university. In this survey, after meeting
with the local headman, the students were
introduced to several heads of households who
provided information on income and other