Hi all,

Here is the aggregated input on topic #3 "Strategies used by small farms to overcome challenges – a view of the past"
-- Peter

Q3.1/9 - Question "3.1.  Identify the three main challenges which small farms, in your region, have faced in the recent past."

From: Mahesh Chander <[log in to unmask]> (India)
I agree to the contribution of James Chacha (3.1/8), who talked about absence of connectivity/link between farmers and researchers' findings as one among the challenges small farmers face. In India too, we have a huge research and extension infrastructure for agricultural development. Yet, over 59% of the farm households in India received no assistance from either government or private agricultural extension services during 2013 (NSSO Survey 70th round 2013: Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households in India). Of the 40.6% households who received extension assistance, only 11% of the services came from physical government machinery- i.e. extension agents, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities. More farmers depended on other progressive farmers (20%), media including radio, TV, newspaper (19.6%) and private commercial agents (7.4%).

The public extension system is unable to reach many farmers in India; it is estimated that 17% of farmers get their information from other farmers and 13% from input dealers. Over 90% of the small scale farmers continue to remain detached from new technologies and guidance from public research institutions.

No wonder, agricultural productivity for major crops and livestock species in India is still lower than that of the world averages. Nevertheless, Indian farmers have found a new breed of enterprising farmers—the AGRIPRENEURS—who are the role models to follow!

Some creative farmers across India are innovating and applying suitable technologies and practices developed by them or integrating in their farms the technologies developed elsewhere. This type of farmers’ connection to farmer extension services, thus, is gaining ground in India. Such technologies have better adaptability and resilience to handle climate change impacts, too.


____


Q3.2/5 - Question "3.2.  Share specific examples of what types of adaptations and innovations have helped small farms to cope with these challenges."

From: Oladeinde Kayode <[log in to unmask]> (Nigeria)
Adoption of good agronomic practices and cultivation of  >1ha mechanized farm, help farms mitigate against challenges such as insect pest, cattle herds invasion, and price shocks, good agronomic practice helps sustain food systems as it can be a buffer against severe losses.
For instance, the challenge of birds devastating rices farms can be addresses by cultivating a large expanse of land with little or no trees, as the birds will consume insignificant proportions of the rice seeds, which will not have effect on their yield. Also regrowth of cassava farms and still achieving optimum yield after herds invasion is imminent. 



To unsubscribe from the SMALL-FARMS-L list, click the following link:
https://listserv.fao.org/scripts/wa-fao.exe?SUBED1=SMALL-FARMS-L&A=1