give me an example of an fgd report with key crop farmers where they asked what pattern is best for planting their cassava; either fully buried or half way slanted and which pattern is best for more yield

### Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Report **Date:** October 15, 2023 **Location:** Nkangala Farming Community, Nigeria **Facilitator:** Dr. Amina Bello **Participants:** 12 local cassava farmers (6 male, 6 female) #### Objective To gather insights from local cassava farmers on the planting patterns (fully buried vs. halfway slanted) that they believe are best for maximizing yield. --- ### Background Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a critical crop for food security and economic stability in Nigeria. The planting method significantly influences the yield. This FGD aimed to explore the farmers' experiences and preferences regarding the two planting methods: fully buried and halfway slanted. ### Discussion Points 1. **Current Planting Practices** - Most farmers in the group reported using the traditional fully buried method, stating it has been the norm for many years. - A few farmers have experimented with the halfway slanted technique over the past growing season. 2. **Perceived Benefits of Fully Buried Method** - **Soil Conservation:** Farmers noted that this method helps conserve soil moisture and protects the tubers from drying out. - **Pest Resistance:** It was mentioned that fully burying cassava plants minimizes exposure to pests, leading to healthier plants and reduced crop loss. - **Ease of Weeding and Maintenance:** Farmers indicated that managing weeds is easier with fully buried plants as they allow for more effective application of herbicides. 3. **Perceived Benefits of Halfway Slanted Method** - **Improved Aeration:** Several farmers noted that the slanted planting method allows for better aeration and drainage, which can lead to healthier root development. - **Higher Yield Potential:** Some participants reported increased yield from their trial plots using the halfway slanted technique, especially in well-drained soils. - **Faster Harvesting:** The slanted method tends to result in more visible tubers, which can make harvesting easier and quicker. 4. **Challenges Associated with Each Method** - **Fully Buried Method:** - Risk of overwatering during the rainy season, leading to root rot. - Difficult to monitor the condition of roots until harvest. - **Halfway Slanted Method:** - Farmers expressed concerns about erosion that could occur if not managed properly. - Some participants noted they had to invest in additional tools for planting at an angle, increasing initial costs. 5. **Yield Comparisons** - Participants shared anecdotal evidence that they were able to achieve up to a 20% increase in yield with the halfway slanted method compared to the traditional fully buried method. ### Conclusion The FGD revealed diverse opinions and experiences among farmers regarding the planting methods for cassava. While many continue to use the fully buried method due to its familiarity and perceived benefits in pest control and soil management, there is a growing interest in the halfway slanted technique driven by improved yield and easier harvesting. ### Recommendations 1. **Further Research:** Conduct a structured trial comparing both planting methods across various soil types and climatic conditions to yield definitive conclusions on productivity. 2. **Training and Workshops:** Organize training sessions for farmers on the potential advantages and challenges of the halfway slanted planting method. 3. **Support for Transition:** Provide resource support for farmers willing to experiment with the new technique, including tools and access to agricultural extension services. ### Next Steps Follow up with participants to gauge longer-term results as more farmers try the halfway slanted method and to identify any emerging best practices. **Submitted by:** Dr. Amina Bello **Position:** Agricultural Extension Officer **Date of Submission:** October 17, 2023 Update (2024-07-30): **Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Report on Cassava Planting Methods** **Date:** October 15, 2023 **Location:** Rural Community Hall, [Insert Village/Community Name] **Facilitator:** [Your Name], Agricultural Extension Agent **Participants:** 15 Key Crop Farmers from the local community --- **1. Introduction** The purpose of this focus group discussion was to gather insights from local farmers regarding their experiences with different cassava planting methods—specifically, the fully buried method versus the halfway slanted method. Participants expressed concerns about the low yield associated with the fully buried method and sought advice on the best planting practices for improving their cassava production. **2. Overview of Current Practices** Farmers shared that they have been using both planting methods for several years, but recent yields from the fully buried method have been unsatisfactory. The main methods discussed were: - **Fully Buried Method:** This involves planting cassava cuttings completely below the soil surface. - **Halfway Slanted Method:** This involves planting the cuttings at an angle with part of the cutting above the soil. **3. Challenges Identified** Farmers reported several issues with the fully buried method, including: - Poor emergence rates due to over-burial leading to decay and rot. - Increased vulnerability to soil-borne diseases. - Greater difficulty in determining the best planting depth for optimal growth. **4. Insights on Planting Methods** The discussion resulted in various observations from the participants regarding the efficacy of both methods: - **Fully Buried Method:** - Participants noted that while this method protects cuttings from pests, it leads to insufficient light exposure and limited growth. - Many expressed that the root development is often stunted and yields are lower than expected. - **Halfway Slanted Method:** - Farmers who had tried this method indicated it might enhance light penetration and improve emergence. - Participants suggested that slanted plantings may also facilitate better drainage and root aeration, potentially leading to higher yields. **5. Recommendations from the Extension Agent** As an extension agent, I highlighted the following points based on current agricultural research and best practices: - **Try the Halfway Slanted Method:** It seems more beneficial for cassava as it allows for better exposure to sunlight and can improve emerging rates. I encourage farmers to experiment with this method, especially in well-drained soils. - **Experiment with Planting Depth and Angles:** Variability may yield a range of results. Some farmers may benefit from trying different depths and angles until they find the ideal approach suited to their specific soil conditions. - **Monitor Soil Health:** Discourage practices that may lead to soil depletion or compaction. Regular crop rotations and the use of organic matter can improve soil fertility and overall resilience against pests and diseases. - **Education and Training Workshops:** I recommend organizing follow-up training sessions to provide hands-on experiences with different planting techniques. - **Continued Communication:** Farmers were encouraged to keep sharing personal experiences and results to foster a community learning environment. **6. Conclusion** The discussion affirmed that many local farmers are grappling with the challenge of low cassava yields. By transitioning to a more effective planting method such as the halfway slanted approach, there stands a potential for increased productivity. Future workshops and support will be essential to empower farmers with knowledge and practical techniques to optimize cassava production. **7. Next Steps** Based on the recommendations, we will plan a demonstration plot to trial the halfway slanted method, invite interested farmers to participate, and gather further data on its effectiveness relative to the fully buried approach over the next growing season. **Attachments:** - Farmer Feedback Forms - Research Articles on Cassava Cultivation Methods - Schedule for Upcoming Training Sessions **Facilitator Signature:** [Your Signature] **Date:** October 16, 2023 --- Feel free to adapt the details of the FGD report based on specifics about the community, number of participants, or any additional farmer insights gathered during the conversation.