SCHOOL BASE ASSESMENTGEOGRAPHY

PEASANT FARMING AT 7 ARDENNE ROAD KINGSTON 10

Name: Jevaughn K. GordonSchool: Quality academicsTeacher: Mrs. Wright

Table of Content

Aim of Study……………………………………………………………………………. 3

Location of Study Area……………………………………………………………...... 3

Methodology…………………………………………………………………………… 7

Presentation of Data …………………………………………………………………. 8

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………. 11

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………. 12

Appendix……………………………………………………………………………… 13

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Aim of Study

A field study was carried out to investigate the major characteristics of a peasant farm at 7 Ardenne Road, Kinston 10 Jamaica.

Location of Study Area

The field study took place at 7 Ardenne Road, Kingston 10 Jamaica and illustrated

on maps overleaf.

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Methodology

On November 14, 2011 a group of students from Quality Academics and their teacher visited a

peasant farm at 7 Ardene Road Kingston 10. A questionnaire was used to collect information on

how farming was practiced, so the students could have an idea of how the farm was operated.

Before the farm visit, the topic of peasant farming was discussed in class and the questions for

the questionnaire put together by the class.

A sample to the Questionnaire can be seen in the Appendix.

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Presentation of Data

The peasant farmer practiced mixed farming. This is growing of two or more crops

simultaneously on the same piece of land. This may lead in an improvement in the fertility of the

soil and hence, increase in crop yield. Mixed cropping can reduce crop failure if the climate has

irregular weather conditions. The mature trees on the farm also produce shade for the plants like

callaloo that does not doe will in the sun.

The main crops on the farm were callaloo, pepper, sorrel, plantin and banana trees and pumpkin.

The farm also displayed different stages of cultivation.

A picture of the callaloo recently transplanted.

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Mature Plantin and Banana trees

Sorrel almost ready for reaping

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Pumpkin vine seen growing among the mature trees

The farmer use domestic water for irrigation. A hose is attached to the water pipe which is then

used to water the vegetation. Rain water is also collected in drums and this is also used for

irrigation.

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Crops Grown on The Farm

Banana, 35%

Callaloo, 10%

Sorrel, 7%

Pumpkin, 5%

Plantin, 35%

Other Crops, 5%

Pepper, 3%

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Conclusion

One of the problems faced by the farmer was improper irrigation, which was resolved by using

drums to collect and store water for use when ever there is a drought. Another problem the

farmer faced was insects eating the leaves of the plants, he has to constantly.

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Bibliography

Wilma Bailey/Patricia H. Pemberton - Geography for CXC Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd

Bartholomew, Morrisey, Longman - Longman Caribbean School Atlas, Third Edition, Pearson Education, Limited

London, N & Senior, M. Principles of Geography for CXC, London: Longman, 2000

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Appendix

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. How long have you been a farmer?□ 0-2 years□ 3-5 years□ 6+ years

2. Do you enjoy being a farmer?□ Yes□ No

3. What is the size of your farm?□ 5-6 hectares□ 3-4 hectares□ 1-2 hectares□ Less than 1 hectare

4. What is the relief of the farm land?□ Hilly□ Level□ Gently sloping□ Steep

5. How close is the nearest town?□ 5-6 kilometres□ 3-4 kilometres□ 1-2 kilometres□ Less than 1 kilometre

6. What are the main characteristics of soil on your farm?

Colour:

□ Light brown□ Dark brown□ Reddish□ Grey

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Texture:

□ Coarse□ Fine□ Sandy□ Silt

Type:

□ Loam□ Sandy loam□ Clay loam□ Other

7. What is the dominant rainfall pattern throughout the year?□ Very little□ Plenty□ Seasonal□ Adequate

8. What is the average temperature?□ Hot□ Warm□ Cold

9. What are the crops grown on your farm?

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10. How do you dispose of your surplus products?□ Sell them at near market□ Sell them to neighbours/friends□ Sell them to agricultural agency□ Other

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11. Which of the following is mostly used on your farm?□ Fertilizer□ Farm yard manure□ Pesticides□ Herbicides

12. Which of the following are used on your farm?□ Garden fork□ Machete□ Hoe□ Tractor

13. What is the main source of labour on your farm?□ Hired□ Family members□ Self

14. What are the main problems affecting your farm?□ Pradial larceny□ Lack of water supply□ Lack of electricity□ Disease□ Pests□ Soil erosion□ Natural disasters

15. How do you alleviate problems affecting your farm?□ Seek government assistance□ Seek the advice and help of other farmers□ Seek outside investors

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