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largely due to reseeding after early crop failure caused by flashfloods. Present yield
levels are below those achieved after the preproduction phase of RIARS (RIARS
19SS).
Floodplains
The traditional cropping pattern in the floodplains is maize - maize (Table 2). The
first maize crop is established at the onset of the rains (April-May) and is followed
by a second crop of maize in November-December. There are other minor but more
intensive cropping patterns practiced by farmers using different cornbinations of
upland crops. These are established on small patches of land for home consumption
and the local market.
The research focus of KIARS in this land type was on component
technologies, with particular emphasis on the use of high-yielding varieties (HYVs)
to replace traditional varieties. The present component technologies adopted by
farmers far exceed the original recornmendations (Table 4). RIARS advocated high-
yielding open-pollinated varieties of maize; however, private seed companies, with
better logistics and the help of government extension personnel, promoted the use
of hybrid seeds. 'The latter technology prevailed in this land type. Average yields,
hoivever, remained low largely due to climatic vagaries.
The establishment of maize in the upland areas (floodplains) coincided with
the establishlnent of the introduced ~nungbean or DSR in the lowland in April-May
and created cornfietition for farm resources (time, labor, and capital inputs). The
maize crop in the upland area took precedence over crops in the lowland area.
Farmers unanimously agreed that establishment of their maize crop was their first
priority. Maize not only com~nands a better price and higher yield. but there is less
risk of crop failure. Mungbean in the lowland was susceptible to flashfloods,
whereas, DSR was vulnerable to water stress. Resource-strapped farmers were
unanimous that, if time permitted, any residual inputs would be devoted to the
cultivation of their 1owl;tnds.
Lately, farmers have started to buy certified hybrid maize seeds in one
season, and then use selected F2 seeds for the next crop season. This was an
apparent reaction to the high cost of hybrid seeds. Seed companies have now started
to sell high-yielding open-pollinated maize seed.
Changes in income
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table 5 shows the diversity of income sources of the farming households in the study
area. One revealing observation was the low earnings of low technology adopters
relative to medium ancl high technology adopters. Income from th,o three major