RESEARCH METHODS IN SCIENCE

NAME: SAMBA JOOF MAT#: 21923356 MAJOR: CHEMISTY

ASSIGNMENT RESEARCH FUNDING PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL FOR SEETING UP STANDARD AND SUSTAINABLE RICE PRODUCTION METHOD IN
LOWER NUIMI DISTRICT.

INTRODUCTION

Lower Nuimi is one of six districts of the north bank region of the Gambia, with a population of
about 57,000 peoples. Farming is the principal means of livelihood for many people in this
region. Rice farming remains a significant concern due to its positive impact on increasing
household food security and raising farmers' income. Rice growing in this region depends
entirely on rainfall; women take up the dominant role in the practice. Harvesting is done
manually with the use of a sickle and transport to the warehouse by oxcarts. The adopted
method of cultivating rice is low yielding and unreliable.

RATIONAL

The demand for rice in the region outstrips its production, a gap that is filled through import
which caused competition and change in consumer preferences. On top of that water crisis and
escalating labour costs are threatening rice production. Rainfall is frequently inadequate and
cultivation is only limited in the rainy season.

JUSTIFICATION

Developing standard and sustainable rice production projects will increase production and
productivity. The availability of improved rice varieties and technical support will attract many
farmers and consumers. The setting of a standard irrigation scheme can help farmers produce
rice all year round in high quality and quantity, thus meeting the demand of the market in the
region.

ASSISTANCE SOUGHT

The chief and the local farmers in the region are seeking financial help in the standardization of
the farming method and technical support such as promoting investment, land and water use
management, and extension services from the public and private sectors. There is a need for
local rice growers to have easy access to financial services that will integrate and upgrade the
existing rice agribusinesses in the region of lower Nuimi.