Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
After reconnaissance surveys were conducted by the whole northern Ghana
team of PLEC scientists, different subteams carried out specific tasks at the site
including mapping, plot demarcation, topical interviews, and organization of par-
ticipatory learning exercises. Information on the types of indigenous rice varieties,
their characteristics, and the agronomic practices adopted by farmers growing
them were collected. The women, to multiply seed of six indigenous rice varieties
most preferred by them, established a community seed plot. It is hoped that this
would lead to wider cultivation of indigenous rice varieties and hence contribute
to the conservation of agrobiodiversity in the communities at the PLEC sites. The
scope for extending these experiences to new communities is being assessed.
Results and discussion
The participatory approach to research adopted by the team revealed the central
role of women farmers in conserving the indigenous rice varieties. While most
men farmers at Gore had forgotten the names of the indigenous rice varieties, the
women could name up to 12 indigenous varieties. Many of the women actually
continue to cultivate the local varieties, while most men have replaced them with
improved ones. More women were involved in rice cultivation than men, but their
rice fields tended to be smaller (Table 9.1).
Women rice farmers also tended to have their farms situated in disadvantaged
portions of the toposequence compared to those of men. Their fields, however, are
usually better managed than those of men, probably due to the smaller sizes and
fewer crops they generally grow.
Gore farmers have names for all the indigenous rice varieties they cultivate. The
names describe either the origin of the varieties or their peculiar characteristics.
For example, some indigenous rice varieties have been named after farmers who
first introduced them into the community. Among them are such varieties as
“Peter” and “Mr Moore”. The names of other varieties give indications of their
Table 9.1 Differences in production practices between men and women farmers at Gore
(2000 field survey)
Item
Women farmers
Men farmers
Location
Mainly upland
Largely lowland
Field size
0.1-0.3 ha
0.3-2 ha
External input use
2-3 bags/ha NPK
Up to 5 bags/ha NPK
Field management
2-4 weedings
1-2 weedings
Varieties grown
Largely local
IR-24, GR-19
Use of produce
Food and sale
Mainly sold
Yield of grain/ha
10-30 bags
12-38 bags
