Small-N/Exploratory case study

The small N/Exploratory case study stands for a data collection that can focus on several topics: in the RTB toolbox the approach is used to get a first understanding of how farmers use and handle their seed. The methodological rationale is that a small n-survey is exploratory and uses quantitative and quantitative data. It does not claim “representativeness”; it is more oriented to on broad description than on statistically significant differences and correlations. Usually, the basis for the data collection is a survey form that has a modest number of open and closed questions which do not take more than 1 to 1.5-hour interview per farmer. In addition, there is space for information from free interviewing from these same farmers and key-informants. Strategic sampling of different type of farmers is crucial when aiming at a first reconnaissance and identifying patterns of what farmers and traders do with seed, and how this may differ, for example, for small vs. larger farmers, male vs female farmers. Typically, a study may require 12-15 surveys per type of farmer and 35-50 farmers per community. There is additional power when comparing case studies, for example comparing different communities.

Tool description: Here

User guide: Here

More information and examples:

• Kilwinger, F., A. Rietveld, C. Almekinders, 2017. The Culture of Banana Cultivation: an exploratory study of a local banana seed system in Central Uganda. CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB). RTB Research Report. LINK

• Kilwinger, F. 2017. The Culture of Banana Cultivation: Towards a Better Understanding of the Banana Seed System in Central Uganda. MSc thesis (in process).

• Kilwinger, F.B.M., A.M. Rietveld, J.C.J. Groot and C.J.M Almekinders. Kilwinger, (2019). Culturally embedded practices of managing banana diversity and planting material in central Uganda. Journal of Crop Improvement 33(4):456-477. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15427528.2019.1610822

• Kilwinger, F., Rietveld, A.M., and C Almekinders (2019). A comparative study on banana seed systems in Mbarara district, western Uganda and Mukono district, central Uganda. Lima: Peru. International Potato Center. RTB Working Paper 2019-4. ISSN 2309-6586. 20 p https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/106274

• Pircher, T., Obisesan, D., Nitturkar, H., Asumugha, G., Ewuziem, J., Anyaegbunam, H., Azaino, E., Akinmosin, B., Ioryina, A., Walsh, S. and Almekinders, C. 2019. Characterizing Nigeria’s cassava seed system and the use of planting material in three farming communities. Lima: International Potato Center. RTB Working Paper. No. 2019-1. ISSN 2309-6586. 28 p https://cgspace.cgiar.org/handle/10568/106314

• Stuart, E., D. Obisesan, H. Nitturkar, G. Asumugha, E. Azaino, B. Akinmosin, A. oryina, J. Ewuziem, H. Anyaegbulam, T. Pircher and C. Almekinders. Characterising of Nigeria’s cassava seed system and the role of traders in three communities (draft workshop report available).

• Stuart, E., A. Asfaw, P. Adebola, N. Maroya, A. Edemodu, T. Adeosun, R. Asiedu, C. Almekinders. Yam seed system characteristics in Nigeria: local practices, preferences, and the implications for breeding and seed sector improvement (in preparation).

• Yenenesh Tadesse , Conny J. M. Almekinders, Rogier P. O. Schulte & Paul C. Struik (2017): Understanding farmers’ potato production practices and use of improved varieties in Chencha, Ethiopia, Journal of Crop Improvement, DOI: 10.1080/15427528.2017.1345817

Contact: Conny Almekinders Conny.Almekinders@wur.nl; Fleur Kilwinger Fleur.Kilwinger@wur.nl