FORM GEOG - 5

CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE

SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT

GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDY

STRATEGY SHEET

CANDIDATE’S NAME: _Danealdo Smith___ REGISTRATION NUMBER: ______________________

GENERAL TOPIC OF INTEREST: Farming____

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS TO BE INVESTIGATED:

What problems farmers face and benefits of farming in Flagaman, ST. Elizabeth, Jamaica______

STRATEGY

(A) What is the purpose of your Study? To obtain information on various problems farmer faces and the way to
solve them

(B) How will you obtain data? It will be obtained by issuing questionnaires, by carrying out a field study, and
thorough research

(C) How do you intend to present the data and findings in your report? It will be presented on bar graphs, pie
charts, pictures, and maps which will depict the location of the study. Analysis of data and interpretation along
with a conclusion at the end will aid with the pr3esentation of the findings.

LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA: _Flagaman, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica_____________

EQUIPMENT/RESOURCES REQUIRED: Laptop, Notebook, Pen, Printer, Paper, Scanner__

ANTICIPATED CHALLENGES: _Unfavorable weather and covid-19 restrictions

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NAME OF TEACHER: ____Mr. Bingham __

SIGNATURE OF TEACHER: _______________________________________ DATE: March 2, 2022

Revised 2006-06-23

GEOGRAPHY SCHOOL-BASED
ASSESSMENT ON FARMING FOR
CXC [GENERAL PROFICIENCY]
PRESENTED TO THE GEOGRAPHY
DEPARTMENT OF MANNING’S
SCHOOL

Name of Candidate: Danealdo Smith

Candidate Number:

School: Manning’s School

Topic: Farming

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 Table of Contents
Pages
Introduction 3
Aim of Study 4
Location of Study 4
Methodology 5
Presentation and Analysis of Data 5-15
Conclusion 16
Bibliography 17
Appendix 17-20

INTRODUCTION
Farming involves rearing animals and growing crops for raw materials and food. It is an
important part of agriculture, which began thousands of years ago. I chose this topic
because I want to be more aware of the benefits and the effects of farming in Flagaman, St

Elizabeth, Jamaica [ 17°53'04.8"N 77°42'49.4"W]

on the environment and to see what I can learn from my research. I plan to collect and
analyze appropriate data and present the findings. I intend to collect information from
available sources such AS YOUTUBE videos, newspapers, and articles that will provide
information to help with my research and answer my questions.

AIM OF STUDY
To describe the problems farmers face and the benefits of farming in Flagaman, St Elizabeth, Jamaica.

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 LOCATION OF STUDY

Methodology

How

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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 randomly choosing the farmers and issuing the questionnaires. To enhance the

research, the researcher pursued a strong conversation with most of the farmers, which were successful and

thus helpful in some instances. 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.

Presentation and Analysis of Data

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 many very small farms producing mainly for the domestic market

and home consumption.

The community of Flagaman is 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.

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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. Most 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.

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.
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 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

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 because 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.

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.

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 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 must compete with larger estates that can offer better working

conditions. The required technology that could 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 like those which farmers in Flagaman, St. Elizabeth faced.

According to the graph below, all the farmers interviewed are equally affected by pests and diseases.

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 Percentage of Respondents Effects of Pest and diseases
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.

Farmers 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 (Hubner), 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 many crops. The young larvae eat leaves, stems, and flowers. 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

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

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 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 must 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

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powdery mildew, fruits ripen prematurely 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 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.

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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 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 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 now, however, they could be prosecuted later.

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 Solutions to Praedial Larency
120%
100%
Percentage of respondents

100%
88%
80%

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

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

Suggested solutions

Figure 10 shows what solutions farmers recommend preventing 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 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 most 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 must 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.

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 aspect.

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/

Guinness, 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

Appendix/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 School 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?

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  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
 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
 Scallion 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

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 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
 Flashflood 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 …………………………………………………………………………

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 a 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

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  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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