Methodology

How

A questionnaire containing twenty–two questions was constructed with the aid of secondary

resources such as the internet and textbooks. It was used to collect some general information

about the research. The research was carried out by choosing the farmers randomly and issuing

them the questionnaires. To enhance the research, the researcher pursued a strong conversation

with most of the farmers which were in some instances successful and thus helpful. Also,

observations of plants were made and interesting photographs were taken. The questionnaire

which is the primary source of data collection may be found in the appendix of this booklet. The

data collected was communicated with information from secondary sources such as internet

websites and textbooks.

When

The data collection commenced on Thursday, December 16, 2021, between the hours of 9:00 am

and 3:00 pm when farmers are expected to be in their fields. Since the information collected was

not enough the research was continued and completed on Thursday, January 20, 2022, between

the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Where

The primary method of collection of data was done in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. The

road distance is approximately 40 km southwest of Mandeville Manchester, 23 km southwest of

Nain, St. Elizabeth, 14 km west southwest of Junction, and 25 km southeast of Back River.
 Data Presentation and Analysis

According to Singh, R.H (2005), traditional farming is an integral part of Jamaica’s economy.

The agricultural activity there is characterized by two very distinct types: a small number of

large-scale producers of export crops and cattle and a large number of very small farms

producing mainly for the domestic market and home consumption.

The community of Flagaman is located in the parish of St. Elizabeth, also known as the

breadbasket of Jamaica. The main crops cultivated in St. Elizabeth are cassava, coffee, onions,

pimentos, sugar cane, tomatoes, and watermelons.

Based on the research done, it is evident that the type of farming practiced in Flagaman St.

Elizabeth is a peasant. According to Niles, John (2005), peasant farming describes small-scale

farming for subsistence as well as for cash sale in the market. The majority of the crops

cultivated there are cantaloupe, honeydew, tomatoes, and melon which is done in a small

amount.

Characteristics of farming in Flagaman

Gender of respondents

The research shows that majority of farmers in Flagaman are males (94%) and the remaining

females (6%) as depicted in Figure 4 below. These statistics reflect the tradition where male

farmers are normally the ones who do the cultivation of crops.

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 Gender of Respondents
Percentage of respondents
100% 94%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50% Gender of respondents
40%
30%
20%
10% 6%
0%
Female Male
Gender

Figure 4 shows the gender of respondents

Age Group of Respondents

The graph below shows the percentage of farmers who are of different age groups. In

accordance, a minority of the farmers are between 18 and 25 years – six percent (6%) and the

majority 40 years & over – fifty-nine (59%). Farmers think that this is a negative threat to future

farming. One of the problems is that younger people who have the potential to farm often shy

away because of the required hard work and dedication.

Age Group of Respondents

6%
18 - 25 years
23% 26 - 32 years
33 - 39 years
40 years & Over
59%
12%

Figure 5 shows the age group of respondents interviewed

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Purpose of farming in Flagaman

Farmers in Flagaman are mainly involved in peasant farming – the cultivation of land on a small

scale. It was observed from figure 6 below that the major purpose of farming is as a business –

one hundred (100%). All farmers farm to bring home a small amount of produce enough to feed

family members. This saves them money they would use to buy from the market. Twenty-nine

percent (29%) of farmers do farming since the land is inherited from older generations who

usually practice it. In return they consider it as an inheritance to their younger ones in the long

run if they are interested, thus triggering the tradition to be sustained. According to some

farmers, it is also one of the communities’ livelihoods – sixty-five percent (65%).

Purpose of farming
120%

100% 100%
100%
Percentage of repondents

80%
65%
60%

40%
29% Purpose of farming

20%

0%
Business Supplication of Sustain Livelihood
Households Tradition
Purpose of farming

Figure 6 shows the purpose/s of farming in Flagman, St. Elizabeth

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Conditions for farming

Soil Fertility

Farming in Flagaman is ideal mainly because of its wonderful soil type – loam. Loam soil

contains a mixture of the characteristics of the three principal soil groups and a higher

concentration of organic matter. Because of its well-balanced properties, loamy soil is highly

regarded for agricultural purposes, is easy to work, and is conducive to fruitful growing. Loam

soil supports farming mainly by retaining a moderate level of moisture thus giving cultivated

plants sufficient water. Also as a result the tendency of the soil to be waterlogged is reduced.

Climate

According to the farmers, the climate does not have any real negative impact on crops instead it

is ideal for the growth of some crops. The weather changes sometimes cause small problems

which mainly include “too much moisture as a result of continuous rainfalls’. The unpredictable

weather conditions may also destroy large quantities of produce.

Problems faced by small farmers

Natural disasters

Natural Disasters are major threats to farmers. Natural disasters such as hurricanes and drought

affect every farmer causing rapid destruction and resulting in farmers losing all/most of their

investments. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of the farmers from the research are affected by flash –

floods. The remaining may have escaped this since the effects of floods depend uniformly on the

relief of the land. In order words, farmers who farm in hilly areas are more likely to escape

floods than those farming on flat land.

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Since the destruction of crops from hurricanes and droughts is difficult to avoid farmers think

that the government does something to assure future security and compensation for past losses.

According to the graph below, all the farmers would be comfortable if the government could pay

special attention to reducing the effects of natural disasters or grant them insurance. A total of

seventy-one percent (71%) of farmers think the government should provide conditions for proper

storage.

Solution to effects of natural disasters

120%
Percentage of respondennts

100% 100%
100%

80% 71%

60%
Sales
40%

20%

0%
Grant farmers insurance Provide conditons for Pay special attention to
proper storage farmers

Suggested Solutions

Figure 7 shows what farmers think the government should do to assist them to manage the effects of natural
disasters.

Land size/ Labour

Majority of the farmers in flagman farm on land with a size of between 1 – 4 hectares. One

reason for this is that farmers do not have enough money to invest in land of greater sizes.

Although some farmers are willing and able to hire help, these small farms have to compete with

larger estates that can offer better working conditions. The required technology which could be

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used to improve yields or purchase the fertilizers they need is costly which is a disincentive for

farmers who would consider investing in greater land sizes.

Pest and diseases

The effects of pests and diseases are a major problem in the agricultural industry mainly in terms

of the cultivation of crops. These problems are similar to those which farmers in Flagaman, St.

Elizabeth faced. According to the graph below, all the farmers interviewed are equally affected

by pests and diseases.

Effects of Pest and diseases

Percentage of Respondents

120%
100%
80%
60%
40% Effects of Pest & diseases
20%
0%
Deterioration of Too much money Requires too much
Crops spent on chemicals attention from
farmers

Effects

Figure 8 shows the effect that pests and diseases have on farming in flagaman.

Farmerssssss in Flagman as a whole encounter similar problems with pests and diseases. They

suffer greatly from the effects of pests such as the Beet armyworm- Spodoptera exigua

(Huebner), aphids, or plant lice.

According to Stansly P.A. (2011), the Beet Armyworm was originated as far as Southeast Asia.

It is a pest that infects a large number of crops. The young larvae eat leaves, stems, and flowers.

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As they mature, the larvae become solitary and eat away large irregular holes into the foliage.

This pest does damages mainly to scallion, onion, pepper, beetroot, watermelon, and cantaloupe.

This type of pest is hard to control because it develops quickly under local conditions, giving

many generations per year. The female lays numerous eggs in its lifetime. The moths are strong

fliers and can therefore infest very large areas. Insecticides are usually not very effective as the

worms are usually protected inside the leaves and are also tolerant to many of these materials.

Cultural practices are used to reduce infestation in which crop rotation is done along with field

sanitation. Also, mechanical control is done where farmers handpick and destroy eggs and

worms. The beet armyworm is regarded as the most dangerous defoliator of crops farmers have

ever seen recently in Flagaman.

Mature larvae of the beet

armyworm

Photograph 1 shows mature larvae of the beet armyworm

Effects of beet
armyworm
larvae on
foliage
Photograph 2 shows the effects of the beet armyworm

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Aphids are also known as plant lice are another major problem. According to Stansly P.A.

(2011), these are common pests that are usually present to some degree in every crop and can be

controlled. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate

regions. They feed by thrusting their sharp hollow beaks in among the plant cells and sucking out

juices from the phloem. The saliva that is injected during feeding causes the foliage to become

twisted, curled, or cupped. Aphids generally can be recognized by their pear-like shape, a pair of

tube-like processes at the posterior end of their body, and fairly long antennae. They also vary in

color from green, yellow, red, purple, brown, or black.

Accumulation of
aphids or plant lice on
plants

Photograph 3 shows the accumulation of aphids or plant lice on the plant.

Powdery mildew is the major disease that most farmers complain about. According to –Organic

Gardening.Com (2014), it is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants. It is one of the

most widespread diseases and is easily recognized. Farmers complain that they have to pay keen

attention to almost every single plant to make sure this disease is not evident. It forms a white to

greyish powdery growth, usually on the upper surfaces of leaves. Small black dots appear and

produce spores that are blown by the wind to infect new plants. Leaves will become brown and

shrivel when mildew is extensive. Farmers say that this disease will spread from one single plant

to several different plants in one day. As a result of powdery mildew, fruits ripen prematurely

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and have poor texture and flavor. Bicarbonate sprays are used by farmers to prevent the spread of

infection.

Effects of powdery mildew

Photograph 4 shows the effects of the powdery mildew disease.

Fungicide spray used by

farmers to prevent
infection of powdery
mildew

Photograph 5 shows a fungicide used by the farmers to prevent the spreading of infection.

Praedial Larceny

According to a recent article, published by the Gleaner (January 12, 2012) entitled “Fight

praedial larceny”, praedial larceny is unfortunately treated with very scant regard and as a result,

there is limited enforcement. When the two-foot puss robs a farmer or his crop, his livestock, or

causes illicit fires to cane fields, it is not only hurting the farmer but is also a major loss in terms

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of energy and financial investment. Praedial larceny poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of

farmers and serves as a disincentive for investment in agricultural activities."

Praedial larceny is believed to cost the agriculture sector between $5 billion and $6 billion,

annually. All places that practice farming in Jamaica is more than likely to suffer from praedial

larceny.

According to the graph, below seventy-six percent (76%) of the farmers interviewed have never

suffered from praedial larceny. However, twenty-four (24%) suffer thus posing a threat to the

livelihood of the farmers.

Effects of Praedial larency

Percentage of Respondents

80% 76%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30% 24% Series 1
20%
10%
0% 0%
0%
Illicit fires to fields Threatens the Financial loss Not Affected
livelihood of the
community

Effects

Figure 9 shows how farmers are affected by Praedial Larceny

Solutions to Praedial Larceny

All of the farmers interviewed consider the idea to implement proper fencing as good as depicted

in Figure 10 below. Proper fencing would restrict the easy access to each cultivated piece hence

reducing praedial larceny. Unfortunately, the idea is held back because farmers do not have the

money to pursue this project. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of the farmers say that individuals

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should suffer drastic sanctions. This would threaten the praedial larceners causing them to keep

away from the farm. Thirty-five percent (35%) think the use of a watchman could be

recommended. This would be helpful since the specific individuals could be identified even

without an alert at the moment, however, they could be prosecuted at a later date.

Solutions to Praedial Larency

120%
100%
100%
88%
Percentage of respondents

80%

60%
Solutions to Praedial Larency
40% 35%
29%
20%

0%
The use of Implemt Proper Dratic Sanctions Other
watchman fencing

Suggested solutions

Figure 10 shows what solutions farmers recommend to prevent praedial Latency

Transportation/Marketing Problems

Since farming is done as a business, the goods produced on the farm require transportation to the

markets. Farmers without their transportation encounter problems whereas the produce that is

transported is damaged due to the rugged and bumpy condition of the road. These conditions

push away buyers and increase the length of time taken for the product to be sold thus causing

them to be spoilt due to inefficient storage conditions. Also, the prices offered for their goods

may be too low in their perspective depending on the market prices. Farmers who have their own

transportation further encounter problems in the market. Some of these problems include

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competition from foreign goods, not many buyers, and most commonly the prices offered for

their goods. In addition, the distance from the market is a problem for every farmer when

considered.

Intending to resolve the competition from foreign goods, farmers agree that the government

should reduce the importation of foreign goods specifically that which is similar to what local

farmers produce, and consider setting up purchasing and retailing boards for farmers, crops.

Conclusion
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Based on the investigation done to identify the problems that peasant farmers faced in Flagaman,

St. Elizabeth, it can be concluded that the majority of the farmers are males. Farming in

Flagaman is done mainly as a business and to supply households. It also serves as one of the

community’s livelihoods. Another reason farming is done in Flagaman is because of its ideal

climate, wonderful soil attributes, and the supportiveness of the relief of the land in some

instances.

Along with the good aspects, farming in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth is open to a lot of problems.

Farmers in flagman are unable to farm on land over 1 -4 hectares because they do not have

enough money to invest. Also, they do not have enough money to hire help while they have to

compete with larger estates who can afford better working conditions.

Some of the most enduring problems are those faced with pest and disease, praedial larceny, and

those which are faced through marketing. The most effective pest is the beet armyworm which

feeds large irregular holes into the foliage of plants and is highly resistant to most insecticides.

Farmers use cultural practices and mechanical control to reduce the effects of this pest.

A major disease is powdery mildew that forms a white to greyish powdery growth, usually on

the upper surfaces of leaves which as a result causes the leaves of the plant to become brown and

shrivel when mildew is extensive. Fungal insecticides that contain bicarbonate are used to reduce

the spread of infection.

Farmers also suffer greatly from praedial larceny which is treated with scant regard by the

government and as result farmers encounter financial losses regularly. The livelihood of the

community is also threatened.

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Also, the prices of goods are frequently insufficient because of market prices. Competition with

foreign goods serves as a nightmare for farmers, appealing for the government to reduce the

importation of foreign goods and to set up purchasing and retailing boards for some crops.

Farmers work very hard to reduce these problems which is a major time-consuming procedure.

They are desperately in need of the governments’ assistance in some aspects.

It can be concluded that farmers in flagman do face massive challenges despite they continue to

be loyal to their farming practices and holding on to the best aspects.

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 Bibliography

CARDI. (2011). Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute. Retrieved from
http://www.cardi.org/country-offices/jamaica/

Guiness, Paul et al. (2008), Geography for CSEC: Agriculture. Delta Place, United Kingdom:
Nelson Thornes Ltd.

Jamaica Observer. (2013). Ministry of Agriculture moves to control the spread of Army Worms.
March 17, 2014. Retrieved from http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/Ministry-of-
Agriculture-moves-to-control-spread-of-Army-Worms

Niles, John. (2005). Modern Caribbean Geography: Part 3Man Made System 1. Natural
Resources and Primary Industries. Towns Road, Oxford, Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

Organic Gardening. (2014). Common Plant Diseases and Disorders. Retrieved from
http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/common-plant-diseases-and-disorders

Rahil, Vohn A.M. (2012), New Caribbean Geography with Map Reading and CXC Questions.
West Indies, Trinidad, Caribbean Educational Publishers.

Stansly P.A. (2011). Chapter 13: Insects That Affect Vegetable Crops. The University of
Florida.

The Gleaner. Established (1834). Clarke urges cops to fight praedial larceny. January 26, 2012.
Retrieved from http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120126/lead/lead9.htmls

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 Tally Sheet

Good day, Madam/Sir. I am a 5th-year student at Manning’s School in Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland,

and have chosen to do a study on farming in Flagaman for my geography Scho Assessment. I have put
together a questionnaire to collect some information on some of the challenges you and your farming
family face generally, which will enhance my SBA substantially. It would be great if you give me your
attention and some response for about 10 minutes or less as I ask these questions from my booklet. Thank
You.

1) What gender are you?

 Male IIII IIII IIII I
 Female I

2) What age group are you?

 18 – 25 years I
 26 – 32 years IIII
 33 – 39 years II
 40 years & Over IIII IIII

3) How long have you been in the farming industry?

 1 – 5 years III
 6 – 11 years III
 12 – 17 years IIII
 17 & over IIII II

4) What type of farming is done in flagaman?

 Peasant farming IIII IIII IIII II
 Commercial farming
 Arable farming
 Pastoral farming
 Mixed farming

5) What is the purpose of peasant farming in Flagaman?

 Business IIII IIII IIII II
 Sustain Tradition IIII
 Livelihood IIII IIII I
 Supplication of households IIII IIII IIII II

6) What is the estimate-Based size of the land?

 1 – 4 hectares IIII IIII
 5 – 10 hectares IIII
 11 – 16 hectares II
 17 – 22 hectares
 23 & over hectares

7) What influenced you to become a farmer?

 Education II

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  Family tradition III
 No other way out IIII IIII II
 Other, please specify
………………………………………………………………………………………………..

8) What makes Flagaman a good place for farming?

 The fertility of the soil IIII IIII IIII II
 A satisfactory climate IIII IIII IIII II
 The relief of the land IIII IIII
 Other, please specify……………… …………………………………………………………

9) What types of crops are you involved in cultivating?

 Tomatoes IIII IIII IIII II
 Escallion III
 Lettuce III
 Cabbage IIII III
 Cucumbers IIII III
 Melon IIII IIII IIII II
 Cantaloupe IIII IIII IIII II
 Thyme IIII
 Honey Dew IIII IIII IIII II
 Other, please specify…………………………………………………………………………

10) What type of soil do you farm on mostly?

 Sand
 Clay
 Loam IIII IIII IIII II

11) What are problems encountered on the soil?

 Poor Drainage
 Does not retain fertility well
 The appearance of troublesome weeds III
 Difficult to plow
 No problem IIII IIII IIII

12) How do you care about the soil?

 Use of artificial manures IIII IIII IIII II
 Use of animal droppings IIII
 Use of fertilizers rich in nitrogen

13) What natural disasters are you most affected by.

 Drought IIII IIII IIII II
 Flash-flood IIII IIII
 Hurricane
 Unpredictable weather conditions IIII IIII IIII II

14) What are some major effects of these natural disasters?

 Rapid destruction IIII IIII IIII II
 Shortage of ground provision in community IIII
 Farmer’s loss most/ all their investment IIII IIII IIII II
 Other, please specify …………………………………………………………………………

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 15) What could the government do to encourage farming despite natural disasters?
 Offer farmers insurances and loans IIII IIII IIII II
 Pay special attention to farmers IIII IIII IIII II
 Provide conditions for proper storage IIII IIII IIII II
 Other please specify ………………………………………………………………………….

16) What are some problems faced through marketing?

 Farmers do not get to choose their prices
 Competition from foreign goods IIII IIII IIII II
 Not many buyers IIII IIII IIII II
 Other please specify ……………………………………………………………………….....

17) What can the government do to provide market

 Import less foreign goods IIII IIII IIII II
 Advertise markets for local farmers IIII
 Other please specify…………………………………………………………………………..

18) What are some major problems faced with transportation

 Bad roads IIII IIII IIII II
 Distance from market IIII IIII IIII II

19) What dangers do pests and diseases pose?

 Deterioration of crops IIII IIII IIII II
 Farmers lost money and food supply IIII IIII IIII II
 Cause farmers more money IIII IIII IIII II
 Other, please specify………………………………………………………………………

20) What measures are taken to reduce the damage done by pests?
 The use pesticides
 The use of chemicals IIII IIII IIII II
 Biological control
 Other, please specify……………………………………………………….………………

21) What are some effects of praedial larceny?

 Illicit fires
 Threatens the livelihood of farmers IIII IIII IIII II
 Financial loss
 Not affected IIII IIII III

22) What measures could be taken to reduce the effects of praedial larceny?
 Implement proper fencing IIII IIII IIII II
 The use of watchman IIII I
 Drastic sanctions IIII IIII IIII
 Other, please specify…………………………………………………………………………

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