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