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crops (rice, maize, and mungbean) appeared unstable over two periods in all three
categories of adopters. The FSR-pushed mungbean technology in the lowlands
along with other crops (mostly vegetables in the upland area) accounted for the
difference in income betiveen the degrees of adoption in year one. Maize dominated
in year two.
The most important nonfarm income was wage earnings from nonfarm and
off-farm labor re ardless of the extent of adoption. Total household income showed
no significant dif f erences anlong the three categories of adopters although medium
and high adopters appeared better off. The findings, in general, indicated that low
farm earnings could be compensated through other means.
Changes in expenditures
Table 6 shows the comparison of cash expenditures of the farms. All farm groups
apply relatively the same amounts of inputs. Fertilizer usage in crop years 1989-90
reflects the only significant difference among the major items considered. Farmers
in the area were applying inputs at rates almost equal to, if not above, the
recommended level.
Table 7 shows nonfood household expenditures according to degrees of
adoption. Except for loan repayment and educational expenses in crop year 1990-
1991, all other major items of expenditure were not significantly different.
Food expenditures reflect tastes and preferences and decision-making of the
family. Table 8 shows expenditures on major food items. Other than expenditures on
bean, no significant differences among the three categories of adopters were
observed. The findings suggest that all households turn equally to the market for
additional food.
Changes in nutrient intake
A food consumption survey, based on 24-h recall of food items consumed by the
family, was conducted for eight periods. The periods represented different farming
activities determined at the village level. The intention ivas to capture seasonal
variations in food intake. Nutrient adequacy was determined by taking the ratio of
actual intake to the recommended daily allowance (RDA). The use of aggregate
household consumption assumed that food and nutrient intake were equally shared
among household members.
Table 9 shows nutrient adequacy in all three categories of adopters over
time. All groups exhibited inadequate energy intake. Protein intake was adequate
only during the first two periods. Similarly, diet rating (a measure of the average
intake of macronutrients and micronutrients) was inadequate in all periods.