SCHOOL BASE ASSESMENT GEOGRAPHY

PEASANT FARMING AT 7 ARDENNE ROAD KINGSTON 10

Name: School: Teacher:

Jevaughn K. Gordon Quality academics Mrs. Wright

Table of Content

Aim of Study.

Location of Study Area......

Methodology

Presentation of Data .

Conclusion.

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Bibliography.

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Appendix

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Aim of Study

A field study was carried out to investigate the major characteristics of a peasant farm at 7 Ardenne Road, Kinston 10 Jamaica.

Location of Study Area

The field study took place at 7 Ardenne Road, Kingston 10 Jamaica and illustrated on maps overleaf.

Methodology

On November 14, 2011 a group of students from Quality Academics and their teacher visited a peasant farm at 7 Ardene Road Kingston 10. A questionnaire was used to collect information on how farming was practiced, so the students could have an idea of how the farm was operated. Before the farm visit, the topic of peasant farming was discussed in class and the questions for the questionnaire put together by the class. A sample to the Questionnaire can be seen in the Appendix.

Presentation of Data
The peasant farmer practiced mixed farming. This is growing of two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land. This may lead in an improvement in the fertility of the soil and hence, increase in crop yield. Mixed cropping can reduce crop failure if the climate has irregular weather conditions. The mature trees on the farm also produce shade for the plants like callaloo that does not doe will in the sun. The main crops on the farm were callaloo, pepper, sorrel, plantin and banana trees and pumpkin. The farm also displayed different stages of cultivation.

A picture of the callaloo recently transplanted.

Mature Plantin and Banana trees

Sorrel almost ready for reaping

Pumpkin vine seen growing among the mature trees

The farmer use domestic water for irrigation. A hose is attached to the water pipe which is then used to water the vegetation. Rain water is also collected in drums and this is also used for irrigation.

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Crops Grown on The Farm

Plantin, 35% Sorrel, 7% Other Crops, 5% Pepper, 3% Pumpkin, 5%

Callaloo, 10% Banana, 35%

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Conclusion

One of the problems faced by the farmer was improper irrigation, which was resolved by using drums to collect and store water for use when ever there is a drought. Another problem the farmer faced was insects eating the leaves of the plants, he has to constantly.

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Bibliography

Wilma Bailey/Patricia H. Pemberton - Geography for CXC Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd

Bartholomew, Morrisey, Longman - Longman Caribbean School Atlas, Third Edition, Pearson Education, Limited

London, N & Senior, M. Principles of Geography for CXC, London: Longman, 2000

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Appendix
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. How long have you been a farmer? 0-2 years 3-5 years 6+ years 2. Do you enjoy being a farmer? Yes No 3. What is the size of your farm? 5-6 hectares 3-4 hectares 1-2 hectares Less than 1 hectare What is the relief of the farm land? Hilly Level Gently sloping Steep How close is the nearest town? 5-6 kilometres 3-4 kilometres 1-2 kilometres Less than 1 kilometre

4.

5.

6.

What are the main characteristics of soil on your farm? Colour:

Light brown Dark brown Reddish Grey

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Texture: Coarse Fine Sandy Silt

Type: Loam Sandy loam Clay loam Other

7.

What is the dominant rainfall pattern throughout the year? Very little Plenty Seasonal Adequate

8. What is the average temperature? Hot Warm Cold 9. What are the crops grown on your farm? _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

10. How do you dispose of your surplus products? Sell them at near market Sell them to neighbours/friends Sell them to agricultural agency Other

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11. Which of the following is mostly used on your farm? Fertilizer Farm yard manure Pesticides Herbicides 12. Which of the following are used on your farm? Garden fork Machete Hoe Tractor 13. What is the main source of labour on your farm? Hired Family members Self 14. What are the main problems affecting your farm? Pradial larceny Lack of water supply Lack of electricity Disease Pests Soil erosion Natural disasters 15. How do you alleviate problems affecting your farm? Seek government assistance Seek the advice and help of other farmers Seek outside investors

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