Inclusion of time factors in the design of on-station and on-farm trials : a case study from Kilosa District, Tanzania

An initial section identifies relevant time elements and criteria for screening proposed innovations, and lists a variety of short- and long-term time considerations (noting those commodity researchers are likely to ignore). Described next are the study area"s environmental features, the local agricultural calendar, traditional farming practices, and the design and implementation of the on-farm trials, which introduced two new maize varieties - Kito and Staha. Results showed that participating farmers unanimously preferred the quick-maturing Kito over the higher-yielding Staha for various time-related reasons. (1) Most farmers chose not to plant maize during the long rains (when Staha produces best) because they concentrate on cotton and rice at that time. (2) Planting with Kito during the short rains permitted farmers to better achieve their main production goals - hastening their maize harvest to a period when family supplies are low and market prices are high, and freeing family labor from February onward when the rice and cotton crops require much attention. (3) Farmers felt that Kito"s short maturity would allow it to provide a more stable yield in years when the short rains are poor.