3.1 Selection of Location The first step towards project initiation was to select the Barisal, Barguna and Patuakhali as the districts for project implementation. Out of these 3 districts, 8 locations including Bauphal, Bakerganj, Patuakhali Sadar, Golachipa, Amtoli, Dumki, Kalapara and Babuganj were chosen for farmer selection based on the size of the Upazilla and accessibility and the need for intervention.
3.2 Selection of Participatory Farm Families The project was carried out for two years and each year 1600 Participatory Farm Families (PFFs) were chosen based on their capacity to grow field crops as well as homestead gardens. In each family two members were chosen- one male and one female. The male member carried out the field crop cultivation, while the female carried out homestead gardening of vegetables. The 3200 PFFs were divided into groups of 40. Each group had a Lead Farmer (LF) who was selected based on influence over the rest of the members and his/her acceptability as leader in respect of knowledge and collaboration attitude. The groups were supervised by 8 Field Officers, who in turn was managed by a Project Coordinator.
3.3 Surveys Conducted Throughout the Project Two benchmark surveys were conducted during year 1 and year 2, each addressing the new PFFs. The surveys were done to have a clear understanding of the socio-economic conditions of the PFFs along with their knowledge as well as skills in agricultural practices. The surveys also provided insight in the seasons in the locations along with the highest cultivated crops and the stresses which need to be addressed. Data such as family size along with age distribution, education, earning status, land ownership, monthly expenditure pattern, investment in farming, farm land utilization, access to nursery and access to agri info. The survey was carried out by an outsourced third party, who then analyzed the data and presented as a final report. Data for this paper has been taken from the report submitted to the project. A market survey was done to understand the commercial aspect of the crops being proposed for production in the project. This was done from the farmer’s point of view. Data was collected on accessibility to market along with medium of transport, yield of the most common crops grown in the past year, channels for marketing surplus, market prices after harvest for the past year and problems with the marketing. This survey was done by a contracted consultant. Raw data collected was analyzed and the analysis was incorporated in the report. Information from the submitted report has been used in this paper. A midterm impact survey was done by the project team to understand if the interventions are beginning to cause positive effects, after the end of year 1. This was based on the PFFs adopting the new practices taught to them after they were withdrawn from the project.
3.4 Field Crop and New Cropping Pattern Intervention As mentioned before, the common cropping pattern in the coastal belt is that of monocropT. Aman rice (66%). The remaining time land is left fallow. A more environment friendly, commercially valuable cropping pattern was demonstrated and motivated for adoption among PFFs. Apart from T. Aman rice, the crops encouraged were sunflower, mung bean, relay khesari, potato, maize, brinjal, watermelon, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, snake gourd, okra, chilli, mustard, groundnut, tomato, cauliflower, cabbage, knolkhol, papaya and Transplant Aus (T. Aus) rice. By growing these crops the PFFs would be able to crop for at least 2 seasons minimum if not 3.
3.5 Homestead Gardening as a Source of Nutrition The PFFs of the project are 50% female and if they are not field farmers, were encouraged to carryout homestead gardening. Most of the female beneficiaries either did not carry out homestead gardening or did not know the proper agriculture management to reap benefits from the gardens. Each female were given mini sachets of 5 types of vegetable seeds; where applicable seedlings were distributed. Model gardeners were also given watering cans, since the common complaint in the coastal areas is insufficient access to water. They were taught and supervised to grow the vegetable crops in rows and also given money for crop care products. The intention was to provide nutritional diet for the families and the selling the surplus in the local market, thus adding to the household income.
3.6 Strengthening the Service of Local Nurseries One nursery in each of the eight locations was chosen to support the PFFs of the area. This was necessary for both the field farmers as well as homestead gardeners. Growing seedlings for vegetables such as brinjal and tomato for example were difficult for the PFFs since care and time is required. It is easier to purchase the seedlings from the local nurseries and transplanting them. Nurseries were already present in the areas but through the project support they were strengthened and connected with the PFFs. It also helped nurseries to diversify by raising other seedling varieties and increasing income. Availability of water is also a common problem for the nurserymen during the hot summer months. Techniques were taught on how to grow seedlings during those times by the field officers.
3.7 Training Classes for the Field Officers and Participatory Farm Families The recruited field officers for the project had to undergo training before they were sent to their field stations. They were trained on the concept of the project and the eventual goal. Product managers of ACI Seed trained them on agronomic management of the crops which will be introduced in the project locations and their benefits. A refresher course was given before the second year of the project and also feedback on their experiences were noted for future modifications of the program. Training classes for the PFFs were arranged at the local agricultural extension offices in groups of 40-60 persons. The trainers comprised of nearby university professors, government agricultural extension officers, ACI’s marketing officers, special invited guests and the project coordinator. Multimedia presentations were given where possible and the medium of the classes were in Bangla. The training document was developed by an expert also included in the project. The knowledge disseminated was on the agronomic management of the new crops being introduced, their uses and their benefits.
3.8 Demonstrations of Introduced Crops As mentioned previously multiple cropping patterns were introduced in the project locations. Demonstrations of the cropping patterns were showcased in land leased from 200 farmers and a 5 acre plot leased specifically for this purpose.