Cropping Area

The indicator measures the area of land planted with a specific crop. A modified version can also be used to assess the area of land managed with a specific technique or technology (see the comments section below). It is essential for determining the acceptance and potential results of the promoted agronomic practices.

Determine the indicator's value by using the following methodology:

1) Specify who is expected to plant the promoted crop – for example, target farmers, extension workers, etc.

2) Specify what exactly does it means to plant a crop (e.g. what variety, with what materials, for what purpose, how, etc.).

3) Use key informant interviews and direct testing on farmers’ fields to assess whether farmers in your survey area are able to provide accurate data on the size of their cropping area. If their capacity is insufficient, train the data collectors to use the required measurement devices and calculate the area of the assessed land.

4) Conduct individual interviews with a representative sample of the target producers, assessing whether they grew the promoted crop in the promoted way. If the reply is YES, ask further questions that will help you determine whether the practice was followed correctly. If possible, verify the answers by conducting observations (consider using a simple observation checklist).

5) For all respondents who correctly followed the promoted practice:

  > if they are able to provide accurate data on the size of the area where the promoted practice was followed, ask them for it during the individual interview

  > if they are not likely to provide accurate data, conduct measurements by 1) using a GPS device (the data collector walks along the border of the measured areas with the GPS device having activated the area measurement function) or 2) using manual measurements (only suitable for smaller areas, by using tapes or reliable pedometers).

6) Calculate the indicator’s value by summing up the sizes of all the assessed areas.

1) Be aware that if the respondents are unable to provide accurate data on the size of their cropping area, the data collection by using measurement devices will be very time consuming and you will have to have a large team of well-trained data collectors. 

2) A modified version of the indicator - number of [specify the unit – hectares/jeribs …] of land managed by [specify the technique or technology] – can be used for measuring the extent to which farmers use the promoted agronomic technique or technology. However, be careful as some techniques, such as ploughing or the use of fertilizers, can only be observed during a narrow period of time. If you need to conduct observations, you will have to be very precise with the timing of your survey.

3) If your intervention provides seeds (e.g. during emergency distributions), you can estimate the cropping area by using the data on the amount of used seeds (e.g. not sold, stored, lost or donated seeds) and the approximate amount of seeds local farmers use per a certain unit of land. Both data can be collected by using individual interviews with the beneficiaries of your seeds distributions.

Also consider reporting separately on the average size of land (per farmer) planted with the given crop.

4) Be careful with interpreting the data – increased area can reflect the farmer’s interest in the given crop or technology; however, it can also be a sign of decreasing production efficiency, lower farm diversity or a lack in certain farming inputs. Consider using focus group discussions and key informant interviews to clarify the data you gained.

5) Keep in mind that many farmers practice crop rotation. A technique which was not used during the last season might have been used in the season before last. Therefore, consider carefully what season(s) you should be asking about.