Spence, B. ; Thomas-Hope, E
Author Affiliation, Ana.
Department of Geography and Geology
Agro-diversity and the economic cost of agro-chemical use among smallholder farmers in the Rio Grande valley, Jamaica
PLEC News and View, New Series
Date of Publication
This study focues on the PLEC-Jamaica demonstration site located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in the parish of Portland, Jamaica. The site covers an area of 10.4 square kilometres with a population of 1023 people distributed among five communities-Fellowship, Toms Hope, Berridale, Golden Vale and Coopers Hill. Population density is 99 persons per suqare kilometre, which, in the context of rural Jamaica, is fairly low. However, owing to the predominanatly steep terrain, physiographic density is relatively high, indicating fairly intensive cultivation of land in this predominantly smallholder farming area. The study is based on a survey of 57 small-scale agricultural plots and examines the impact of agrochemical use on the physical, social and economic landscape. The study builds on the PLEC project and its strategy to promote sustainability in smallholder farming. The agrobidiveristy status and the agrochemical use provide a backdrop against which agrochemical costs in small-sclae farming can be better understood....