Fiji Year 13 Certificate

Examination

English Research Project

2018

Rosheel Navneet Chand

Tilak High School
THEME: CLIMATE CHANGE

TOPIC: THE EFFECTS OF

DROUGHT ON VEGETABLE
FARMS IN VITOGO PAIPAI,
LAUTOKA
 THESIS STATEMENT

Climate change in Paipai area is increasing drastically. The topic which was considered while
compiling this project was on drought. Farmers are affected by drought which is decreasing
the food production and income level. The outcome produced by impact drought is financial
difficulties as farmers are not able to make profit. This project aims to research and
investigate on the effects of drought on farms and the alternatives to be followed to combat
the problem.

(i)
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the following people for enabling me to
complete the compilation of this project:

 The almighty god for giving me strength and wisdom to complete this project.
 Mrs Arti Narayan (English teacher) for her guidance throughout the course of the
project.
 And my parents (Mr and Mrs Chand) for financially supporting me.
 The interviewers who took out their time to answer my questionnaires.

(ii)
 METHODOLOGY
In compiling the research work the following tools were used under the two research
methods, that is:

PRIMARY RESEARCH

 INTERVIEW: five farmers (men) of Vitogo Paipai were interviewed based on given
questions pertaining to the research topic.

The first interview was conducted with Nilesh Chand, a 45 year old farmer who does
vegetable farming. The second interview was conducted with Robin Chand, 40, who
engage in vegetable farming. The third interview was conducted with Amit Prasad,
42, who does pineapple farming. The fourth interviewee was Suresh Chand, 40, who
does vegetable farming. The fifth was conducted with Jayant Kumar, 44, who does
sugarcane farming. The mode of communication was Hindi and was used effectively
to communicate and obtain relevant information. All the interviews were conducted
on the farmer’s residence.

SECONDARY RESEARCH

 Tilak High School Library- to gain information on the topic.

 Internet- the internet was accessed to retrieve information pertaining to the
research topic.
 Newspaper Articles- the newspaper was used to retrieve articles pertaining to the
research topic.

(iii)
 DECLARATION
I, Rosheel Navneet Chand, of year 1305 of Tilak high school, do hereby solemnly declare that
this research project is an original piece of work compiled by me and any resource materials
used from elsewhere has been duly acknowledged in the reference section.

____________________

Rosheel Navneet Chand

Date: 01/06/2018

(iv)
 TABLE OF CONTENT
Contents Page No.
(i) Thesis statement (i)
(ii) Acknowledgement (ii)
(iii) Methodology (iii)
(iv) Declaration (iv)
(v) Table of Content (v)

1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Description of Case Study Area 2
1.2 Economic Importance of 3
Farmers

2.0 Data Analysis and Discussion 4

2.1 Drought 4
2.2 Types of Farming done by 5-6
Farmers
2.3 The Advantages of Farming 7-8
2.4 Impact of Drought on Farms 9-10
2.5 Financial Constraints 11-12
2.6 Ways to Overcome the 13-14
Challengers

3.0 Conclusion 15
4.0 Recommendation 16
5.0 Reference 17
6.0 Appendix 18-20

(v)
 1.0 INTRODUCTION
According to Wikipedia (2018), Climate change is a change in the statistical distribution of
wealth patterns when that changes last for an extended period of time (that is, decades to
millions of years). Climate change may refer to a change in average weather conditions, or
in the time variation of weather within the context of longer term average conditions
(Wikipedia, 2018). The main issue which is discussed in this project is drought. Drought is
one of the major and serious components of climate change. Drought means shortage of
water and that affects the agricultural productions.

The reason for the choice of the topic drought which is based on the theme climate change
is to find out the effects of drought on vegetable farms. As well as to find out what is
drought, and the effects of drought on farmers. The farmers of Vitogo Paipai Lautoka are
being affected by the severe drought. Some of the effects of drought are reduced crop
rotation, damages in eco system that affects both plant and animal life, reduces the
production of the vegetables and due to shortage of water as it affects the plant growth.
The purpose of this research project is to find out the effects of drought on farms and on
farmers, and the ways farmers can help to overcome the challenges.

Furthermore, the research is being conducted on the farmers of Vitogo Paipai, Lautoka.
Farmers are being affected by the drought. The farmers are affected as the production of
the vegetables and the farm supplies are destroyed thus, the production is decreasing day-
by-day. Farmers are facing financial difficulties as they are not able to make profit. Due to
less production, there is less supply of goods to the market which results in the financial
difficulties. For most of the farmers, farming is the only source of income to feed their
family. Deo (2017) reports that “the farm is dried up since there is no rain so you can
imagine the struggle we are facing”.

Agricultural drought account for the water needs during different growing stages. Human
activities also causes drought. There are many human activities as well that makes an area
drought prone, deforestation leads to erosion and this affects the ability of the land or soil
to hold the water. Water conservation is the most important drought precautions. Stocking
extra bottles of water is a great idea and rain water harvesting is another great idea,
provided it rains. Educating people and controlling erosion and deforestation can go a long
way in preventing droughts and attracting rain fall. Water pollution should be controlled and
stopped at any means of humans and all other animals resort to lakes and ponds for water
during a drought (Water quality management, 2018).

Thus, the problems encountered during research were that, farmers were not available
during interview. When the farmers were questioned on the effect of drought on their
farms, they emotional as the farm products are destroyed by drought. “It has been difficult
because at the end of the day, our vegetable supply is affected” (N.Chand, personal
communication, March 17.2018).
 1.1 DESCRIPTION OF CASE STUDY AREA

Vitogo Paipai is located about 5 km away from Lautoka city. The number of households in
the village is about 250. Mostly the people are farmers and they are commercial farmers
who sell goods and earn money.

The main source of income is sale of produce. And the people depend on their farm supplies
to earn a living. Mostly farmers engage in sugarcane and pineapple farming. These types of
farming are done in large scale. Thus, they also involve in the production of cattle farming,
poultry farming, and vegetable farming. Family members also provide assistance in the
production.

Paipai is a multiracial society where people of different races live peacefully. There is unity
in the village as people work together without racial discrimination. The village consist of
schools, (Vakabuli Primary School, Deshbandu Primary School), shops and bridges. The
common mode of transport is bus.

Since there were a lot of farmers in Paipai village, the interview the concentrated only on
five farmers. All these farmers were between the ages of 40 – 50 plus years and these were
the experienced farmers.

2
 1.2 ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF FARMERS

Farmers play a very vital role in the society. “It has already made a significant contribution
to the economic prosperity of advanced countries and its role in the economic development
of less developed countries is of vital importance.”  ("Role of Agriculture in the Economic
Development of a Country", 2018)

The agricultural sector have advanced the economy, by providing food and raw material to
non – agricultural sectors of the economy and by earning valuable foreign exchange through
the export of agricultural products. Farmers in the economy have built the agricultural
sector by providing employment to army of uneducated background and unskilled labour.

In addition, in economic depression where the industrial production can be stopped or

reduced, the farmers continue its production as it produces basic necessities of life. Thus, it
continues to create effective demand even during adverse conditions in the economy.

Hence, the rising agricultural surplus caused by increasing production of farmers tends to
improve social welfare, particularly in rural areas the living standard of rural masses rises
and they start consuming nutritious diet including green leafy vegetables and fruits. Increase
in agricultural productivity leads to increase in the income of rural population which in turn
leads to better living standard.

3
 2.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

2.1 Drought
Climate change is a major consequence which is affecting in 21 st century. One of its
components is drought. A drought is a period of below-average precipitation in a given
region; resulting in prolonged shortages in the water supply, whether atmospheric, surface
water or ground water. ("Drought”, 2018). The farmers in Vitogo Paipai defined drought as a
long – period when it do not rain. Farmers suggested that due to no rainfall for a long
period, their farm supplies decreases.

4
 2.2 Types of Farming Done by Farmers
Rural Fijians tend to have several sources of livelihood; most households have a wage
earner, but also grow both food and cash crops, and many earn some income from fishing. .
Farmers living in the dry areas plant rice, both upland and irrigated, and pulses like mug
bean and pigeon pea, as well as yams, citrus fruit, pineapples and mangoes.  ("New
Agriculturist: Country profile - Fiji", 2018). According to the farmers in Vitogo Paipai, they
mostly do vegetable farming and some engage themselves in pineapple and sugarcane
farming.

SOURCE: Interview Question, Question 3

CAPTION: The above pie chart shows that 60% of the farmers are doing vegetable
farming, 20% are doing pineapple farming and 20% are doing sugarcane farming.

Fig. 1.0 Types of Farming done by Farmers

20%

Vegetable Farming
Pineapple Farming
Sugarcane Farming

20% 60%

In the above graph, the reasons given by farmers to do such farming are that:
2.2.1 Vegetable Farming

Most of the farmers do vegetable farming in Vitogo Paipai. 60% of the interviewed farmers
responded that they do vegetable farming. These farmers suggested that doing vegetable
farming is beneficial as they use vegetable for consumption since vegetables are in market
in some seasons. Farmers are able to make more profit compared to other farming as
vegetables do not take a lot of time in harvesting and it can be harvested every week. ”I
mostly plant vegetables which I use for own consumption and to make profit.” (S. Chand,
Personal Communication, 10 April 2018).

2.2.2 Pineapple Farming

20% of the farmers suggested that they do pineapple farming. Farmer’s opinion was that
they do pineapple farming in large scale and it is more profitable as there is lack of supply of
pineapple to market. As there are limited farmers doing pineapple farming it is more
profitable. Farmers also suggested that they do not have to spend more time on pineapple
farming as harvesting is done once or twice a month.

2.2.3 Sugarcane Farming

20% of the interviewed farmers suggested that they do sugarcane farming. Farmers said
that they do large scale farming and there is less time spent on sugarcane farming.
Sugarcane is harvested once a year and it is less affected by drought.

2.3.0 The Advantages of Farming

According to Dotson (2018), People began planting collected seeds, harvesting them and
selecting successful crops. This encouraged people to make permanent homes. With a
settled lifestyle, other pursuits flourished, essentially beginning modern civilization. Farming
has a lot of advantages. According to the farmers of Vitogo Paipai, a favourable climate will
help the farming in producing fresh and healthy vegetables in large scale. Farmers can make
profit by selling the vegetable in market and can have fresh vegetables for own
consumption.

SOURCE: Interview Question, Question 7

CAPTION: the above pie chart shows that 60% of the farmer’s opinion was to make profit, 20%
shows that vegetables are used for own consumption and 20% shows that land is not left idle.

Fig. 2.0 The Advantages of Farming

20%

Make profit
Vegetables used for own
consumption
Land is not left idle

20% 60%

In the above graph the explanations for advantages of farming are suggested by farmers as:

2.3.1 Make Profit

Most of the farmers suggested that farming is beneficial because it earns a lot of profit. 60%
of the farmer’s opinion was that they earn favourable return from farming. Farmers
suggested that they get a favourable return when there is limited supply of vegetables in
markets. “Farming helps me to make profit which I use to fulfil needs and wants of my
family.” (J. Kumar, personal communication, 10 April 2018).

2.3.2 Vegetables used for own consumption

20% of the farmers suggested that fresh vegetables are consumed at home. Their opinion
was that as the price of vegetables increase in market, they get fresh vegetables without
paying a higher price. Compared to the price of vegetables in market farmers find it cheaper
to produce on their own. Fresh vegetables are consumed as compared to the vegetables
produce in market which uses fertilizers and harmful chemicals for faster growth.

2.3.3 Land not left idle

20% of the farmers suggested that doing farming is rather than the land being left idle.
Unproductive land is being used and can generate income.

2.4 Impact of Drought on Farms

Deo (2017) reports that, “The farm is dried up since there is no rain so you can imagine the
struggles we are facing.” Drought has a lot of impact on farms. It reduces crop production,
which decreases the profit made by farmers. Drought leads farmers to stop farming which
causes financial difficulties. Farmers find difficulties to feed their family and earn a living.

Fig. 3.0 Impact of Drought on Farms

20%

40% Yeild Reduction

Decrease in food production
Lack of water for farming

40%

SOURCE: Interview Question, Question 8

CAPTION: The above pie chart shows that 40% of the farmers concluded that impact of
drought causes yield reduction, 40% shows decrease in food production and the other 20%
shows lack of water for farming.

In the above graph the explanations given by the farmers on the impact of drought on farms
are:
2.4.1 Yield Reduction

Most farmers concluded that drought has a lot of impact on their crops. 40% of the farmers
suggested that drought causes yield reduction. Plants do not grow well due to drought. This
decreases the supply of crops as farmers are not able to put water in crops for growth. ‘’I
did not harvested any crops for past few months as drought has damaged the crops.” (R.
Chand, personal communication, 10 April, 2018).

2.4.2 Decrease in Food Production

40% of the interviewed farmers said drought decreases the food production. As the crops
are damaged by drought there is no production of crops thus supply of vegetables to the
market decreases. Farmers also suggested that decrease in food production leads to
increase in price of vegetables in the market. They have to buy vegetables from the market
as they do not have vegetables for own consumption.

2.4.3 Lack of water for farming

20% of the farmers said that due to drought there is lack of water for the crops. The crops
do not grow well and are damaged due to lack of water. Water is important for the survival
of plants. Farmers suggested that only the vegetables near river are saved as they use river
water but partly are damaged due to harmful sun rays. “I face a lot of challengers in other to
protect the farm from drought, due to lack of water for vegetables.”(A. Prasad, personal
communication, 10 April, 2018).

10

2.5 Financial Constraints

Deo, 2017 argued that “If the dry weather continues, I might have to stop farming and
resort to something else because I have to feed my family.” Due to the effects of drought on
farmers, which decreases the production it affects the income of the farmers. Farmers face
financial difficulties as most of them depend on the income from the sale of farm supplies.

Fig. 4.0 Financial constraints

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Lower standard of living Farm inputs not affordable Cost of transport

SOURCE: Interview Question, Question 13

CAPTION: The above graph shows that 40% of the interviewed farmers face low standard of
living, 40% suggested farm input not affordable and other 20% suggested that cost of
transport is not affordable.

11

In the above graph the explanations given by the farmers on the financial constraint they
face are:

2.5.1 Lower standard of living

Most of the interviewed farmers suggested that loss of income from farm supplies have
decreased the standard of living. 40% of the farmers said that the living standard have
decreased as there is less income to support the family in other to provide needs of the
family members.

2.5.2 Farm input not affordable

40% of the farmers suggested that farm inputs are not affordable. Farmers said that as they
face financial loss from the supply of vegetables there is not enough money to purchase
farm inputs. These farm materials include fertilizer, pipes, forks, which are expensive to buy.

2.5.3 Cost of Transport

20% of the farmers said that the cost of transport is very high. The production of vegetable
is low which earns less profit but the transportation of vegetable is too high. Farmers
suggested that the income earned is less which is not able to meet the transportation cost.

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2.6 Ways to Overcome the Challengers

Western, Eastern, and Northern subdivisions of Fiji are dependent on water deliveries,
bringing about the evident economic issue which comes with transporting resources by air
from nearby islands. ("Climate Change in the Fiji Islands | Aksik", 2018). To overcome the
challengers of drought there is a need of government subsidies or grant in order for the
farmers to purchase equipment as tanks and pipes.

Fig. 5.0 Ways to Overcome the Challengers

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
River water Government Assistance Drought tolerant crops

SOURCE: Interview Question, Question 15

CAPTION: The above bar graph shows that 60% of the farmers suggested river water is
used to overcome the challengers, 20% suggested government assistance, 20% said
drought tolerant crops.

13

In the above graph the explanations given by farmers on the ways to overcome the
challengers are:

2.6.1 River Water

Most of the farmers use river water to put their farms. 60% of the farmers suggested that
they use river water in farms. These are the farmers who have farms near the river and have
easy excess to put in their farms. An interviewed farmer said that: “when the ponds dry up i
cannot do anything except hope that most of the vegetables are fully grown and can be
harvested.” (N. Chand, personal communication, 10 April 2018.)

2.6.2 Government Assistance

20% of the farmers suggested that they need government assistance to overcome the
challengers. These farmers are who do not have farms near river. Farmers suggested that
the assistance they need are, water tanks, fertilizer, pipes, farming equipment, and green –
house to protect farms from harmful rays.

2.6.3 Drought Tolerant Crops

20% of the farmers suggested that they use drought tolerant crops in to face challengers of
drought. Farmers said that they engage in planting crops that require less water than
others. Planting drought tolerant crops helps to make enough profit in order to support
family.

14

3.0 CONCLUSION
After researching and analysing the interview questions, personal observations and
experiences in the collection of raw data and analysis for this research project, it can
be concluded that there is a lot of advantages of farming. In rural communities most
of the farmers and in farming and have only source of income from farming.

Additionally, the opinions did not differ as all farmers are affected by drought. The
farmers face a lot of challenger in order the increase and maintain the productivity.
The most serious problem which affects the crop is drought. Drought causes crop
reduction which decreases the food production. Most of the farmers depend on the
income from the sale of farm supplies in order to support their family.

Moreover, the farmers face financial difficulties since the impact of drought on farms
decreases the supply of vegetables to the market. The possible solutions which
farmers adopted in order to face the challengers is conserving water in tanks, some
opted to use river water. Farmers engaged themselves in planting drought tolerant
crops. Farmers got government assistance for farming equipment including tanks for
storing river water.

Regardless of that, it was a good experience to gather information on drought and

the impact of it on farmers.

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4.0 RECOMMENDATION
At the completion of this research project, it is commended that the farmers are to
be aware of drought, the impact of it on their farms and the possible ways to face
the challengers. Waters conservation is the most important drought precaution.
Farmers are to store enough water at home in extra bottles and tanks. Farmers who
engage in farming near river are to use water in farms to prevent wastage of water.

Additionally, farmers should engage in planting drought tolerant crops. There are
some crops that require less water than others. Although drought tolerant varieties
still require water especially seedlings, they tolerate dry conditions better than
others. Farmers should select drought resistant crops in order to maintain
productivity and supply vegetables to market.

Hence, government can be an important tool to help farmers who are typically hit
hardest by natural disasters. Drought has demonstrated the need for additional
drought planning to help mitigate the possible worst effects of future drought.
Government can act as a catalyst for enhanced productivity; farmers can use it as
collateral to agricultural lenders, providing them excess to credit markets needed for
investments such as fertilizers and enhanced seeds, which in turn can boost
productivity. Government can help farmers to manage their business risks to help
farmers meet their basic household expenses when times are tough.

16

5.0 REFERENCE
 New Agriculturist: Country profile - Fiji. (2018). Retrieved from
http://www.new-ag.info/en/country/profile.php?a=867
 What Are the Benefits of Agriculture and Farmers. (2018). Retrieved
from https://sciencing.com/benefits-agriculture-farmers-6973506.html
 Drought May Force Farmer To Stop | Fiji Sun. (2018). Retrieved from
http://fijisun.com.fj/2017/08/13/drought-may-force-farmer-to-stop/
 Climate Change in the Fiji Islands | Aksik. (2018). Retrieved from
http://www.aksik.org/node/105
 Drought. (2018). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drought
 Kids, D., Lives?, H., & Impacts, T. (2018). Types of Drought Impacts.
Retrieved from
http://drought.unl.edu/DroughtforKids/HowDoesDroughtAffectOurLive
s/TypesofDroughtImpacts.a
 Kids, D., Ourselves?, H., & Conservation, W9. (2018). Water
Conservation. Retrieved from
http://drought.unl.edu/DroughtforKids/HowCanWeProtectOurselves/W
aterConservation.aspx
 Climate change. (2018). Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/climatechange
  Role of Agriculture in the Economic Development of a Country. (2018).
Retrieved from https://www.economicsdiscussion.net/economic-
development/role-of-agriculture-in-the-economic-development-of-a-
country/4652

17

6.0 APPENDIX
 Tilak High School

Year 13 English Project

2018

THEME: CLIMATE CHANGE

TOPIC: THE EFFECTS OF DROUGHT 0N VEGETABLE FARMS IN VITOGO PAIPAI,

LAUTOKA

Interview Questions
Name: ___________________
Age: _____________________
Occupation: _______________

1.) Background of the family.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2.) Describe a normal day for you?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

3.) What type of farming does your family do?

Vegetable farming
Pineapple farming
Sugarcane farming
Cattle farming

4.) What does Climate Change mean to you?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

5.) What does drought mean to you?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

18
6.) How long do you spend on farming?
 1 – 2 Hours

3 – 4 Hours

5 – 6 Hours

7.) What are advantages of farming?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

8.) What are impacts of drought on farming?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

9.) How has drought affected you as a farmer?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

10.) What is the effect of drought this year compared to previous years?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

11.) When was the last severe drought?

2014 2015 2016 2017

12.) What are some challenges faced due to drought?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

19

13.) Do you face financial constraints due to drought?

 Yes No

If yes, please indicate?

14.) Do you have any other source of income in case you are heavily affected by
drought?

Yes No

15.) List ways to overcome these challenges?

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

20