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

informants, advisors and implementors. The
confidence of the scientists in the villagers
encouraged them to use their skills and
experience as inputs to the project. It was a
challenging opportunity for the villagers to
incorporate their ideas into a development
project. As highlighted in Table 1, the primary
objective of the study was to examine the human
response to the environment and to analyz. the
consequences of this response on the
environment. Introducing practical
rehabilitation measures incorporating advanced
technologies and genetic improvements was also
important. The project was designed to
motivate farmers to take the initiative, while
basic training, material assistance and guidance
were provided through the coordinating unit.
Baseline Studies
Field research, a household questionnaire
survey, and participatory observations were
carried out over an entire year. This made it
possible to gather information on spatial and
seasonal trends. In conducting these sectoral
studies an attempt was made to have the
assistance of the villagers in locating sites,
inventorying plants, collecting soil samples,
measuring soil moisture conditions and
fluctuations of the water table. Village meetings
were held to disseminate the research results, to
get feedback, and to promote self-reliance
among the farmers.
At this stage, it was an exciting experience for
the villagers to use the regional aerial
photographs at a scale of 1:10,000. This was an
effective media as the villagers were able to
pinpoint specific locations and discuss their
experiences at those sites. By comparing the
aerial hotos taken in 1956 and 1986 the change
in landutilization was immediately apparent.
The scientific observations indicating the
adverse consequences of human induced
changes, coupled with the farmers' observations
of the environmental deterioration on their
farms, were helpful in convincing the villagers of
the need to rehabilitate the environment,
Once the farmers were convinced of the need
to rehabilitate their land, it was necessary to
take steps to solve the problems. The
environmental studies provided information on
the climate, hydrology, soil, vegetation and
landforms. Aerial photographs were utilized to
visually locate and explain spatial characteristics
as wel as graphically demonstrating human
induced changes on the environment,
53
Both the environmental and socioeconomic
findings were viewed with interest to understand
the present situation and to explore alternatives
and prospects for the future. An attempt was
made to highlight how these social and
environmental conditions influence each other.
It was concluded that rainfall is the major factor
influencing social behavior and economic
activities.
The field data revealed that 72 percent of the
annual crop production takes place during the
prominent rainy season, when two-thirds of the
rain falls. Almost all arable low]-ind and
uplands are cultivated with seasoral crops.
Excluding the near-landless, 52 percent of the
families in the area produce an adequate
amount of food for annual family consumption
during this season.
Results of Field Studies
The cyclical nature of rainfall is the limiting
factor, resulting in a great variation in crop
production, food availability, labor
requirements and income. The arable land
under cultivation only during the rainy season
should be cultivated with drought resistant
perennials. Low cost soil and water
conservation strategies should be introduced.
If irrigation is provided, social and economic
problems will be alleviated by a system of
year-round crop production and agricultural
employment. An alternative solution could
utilize biological strategies to enhance the
production of a range of food and raw materials
for agro-based industries.
The application of fertilizer, pesticides and
herbicides for better crop production is difficult
for about 42 percent of the families. Purchasing
such inputs is possible only for a few wealthy
landowners. For the rest it is possible only iVa
surplus is produced or if cash-is earned through
wage labor. For profitable farming and
sustainable crop production, costly inputs
should be reduced with organic farming
techniques. As pointed out by Hauck (1978),
FAO (1975), and Parr and Papendick (1983),
the application of chemical fertilizers has raised
the cost of operation and is not practical for
small-scale farnwrs.
Crop failures are quite common during the
Yala season of southwest monsoons, resulting in
food scarcity and low income. Meeting family
food needs is difficult during the prolonged dry
seasons because of the lack of off-farm