Study of farmers intercropping practices and objectives, and the performance of maize/cereal patterns, in the upper river division, 1985

Introductory sections identify the study"s data collection methods (i.e., farm-level surveys, on-farm experimentation, and literature review) and detail their implementation. Information obtained from seven farm units through the formal survey is then used to outline existing cropping patterns and the extent of intercropping in the area. Four intercropping systems were identified, based on the main crop: maize (maize/late millet and maize/sorghum patterns are diagrammed), groundnut, sorghum, and rice. While no cases of intercropping with cotton were found, the possibility of such cases is noted. The report emphasizes the special consideration given by farmers to maize-based cropping systems, due to, inter alia, its yield stability. To supplement the review of the objectives and rationale for intercropping with an evaluation of farmer performance, the second half of the paper presents an agro-economic analysis of two farmer-managed intercropping trials (maize/millet and maize/sorghum); the study"s survey instrument and 26 tables and figures are included. Findings are summarized in a 4-point conclusion.