Use of Transect Walk and Diversity Fair to Identify Natural Resources, Crop Diversity, Constraints and Requirements for Rainfed Farming: A study at Thanamalwila

Abstract

Village transect walk and diversity fair are two rapid information collection methods within shorter time period. Three transect walks were conducted with the participation of farmers of three villages (Mahawewa, Sooriyaara and Kahakurullanpellessa in Thanamalvila divisional secretariat) and other officials along the distinguish areas which represents different kinds of ecosystems within the same territory. A diversity fair was conducted at Mahawewa village with the participation of farmers from three villages. Basic information on soil conditions, water availability, present crop diversity, and crop grow early, livestock, natural resources, constraints faced by the farmers and their requirements were assessed within a short time period based on the constructed transect diagram on information of transect walks. Cowpea, groundnut, sesame, maize and finger millets were identified as common crops grown in large area by large number of households. Mung bean was categorized as rare group with respect to the studied area since it was retracted to small areas with many farmers. Pinna mung, Kaha mung foxtail millets, Proso millets were considered as endangered since these were growing in few households in small areas. Four custodian farmers were identified during the diversity fair possessed more than ten types of germplasms related to finger millets and associated crops.