I.2. Global objective
The global objective consists of analyzing the functioning of
different farming systems by establishing major characteristics and estimating
nutrient levels at farm and plot scales.
I.3. Specific objectives
Ø To study the effects of natural and socio-economic
factors driving the functioning of farming systems in Rwanda.
Ø To quantify the magnitude of farm soil fertility
gradients as affected by biophysical and socio-economic factors
Ø To develop a framework for categorizing heterogeneity
in soil fertility at different scales.
I.4. Hypothesis
Ø Diversity of farms and fields in smallholder farming
systems exists due to variable biophysical and socio-economical conditions.
Ø Wealth status of the farmer determines soil fertility
status of his farm and socio-economic conditions are factors affecting
nutrients level in soil of different farm's plots.
I.5. Structure of the report
This study is divided into six parts:
The first part is composed by a general introduction, followed
by a comprehensive literature review on farming systems in the second part,
then comes in the third part the description of the methodology used. The
fourth part covers the analysis and presentation of results, which is followed
by a discussion of the results in the fifth part. The project report is
concluded with a brief conclusion and some recommendations.
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