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INVESTIGATOR: Chukwuma, F. O.; Njiti, V.; Rashid, T.; Reed, A.; Girish, P.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY
ALCORN STATE, MISSISSIPPI 39096

ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE VEGETABLE PRODUCTION, MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT FOR SMALL FARM FAMILIES

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The need to provide mechanism for increased income for small and mid-sized farm families is of growing importance. New knowledge that will enable small farmers sustainably produces products of higher value and capture a larger share of the food market is needed. The question is how can small-scale farm operators structure their agribusiness to produce high quality products, compete in the market place, and generate returns that will improve their quality of life This question can be addressed by developing and implementing programs that include sustainable vegetable crop production practices, marketing strategy that aimed at achieving the highest possible profit and farm financial plans that keep debt low and good record keeping. This project is designed to educate extension agents, students, farmers and mentor farmers by increasing their knowledge and understanding of sustainable crop production, market outlets, farm financial and good record keeping. Therefore the objectives of this project are to: (1) educate limited-resource farmers on sustainable vegetable production practices utilizing research-based information, (2) identify alternative market outlets as it relates to sale of vegetable crops and (3) educate limited-resource farmers on the benefits of farm financial management and farm record keeping. Evaluation of the results will be done by using questionnaire surveys, self reporting, observation, and follow-up calls to the target audience. Findings will be shared with other institutions and governmental agencies, made available to small farmers through extension agents, conferences, eXtension, field days and be presented at series of professional meetings, workshops and published in refereed journals.

OBJECTIVES: The overriding goal of this study is to develop and distribute research-based information on production, good farm record keeping and marketing strategies that will influence the ability of small-to mid-size farms to compete and thrive by making decisions to safeguard the environment. Project participants will be exposed to issues that engage them in a model of learning that demands more than the mere recitation of facts. They will have the ability to apply research-based information, solve new and complex problems, and use the knowledge in new situations. Therefore, project will serve as a model for other institutions. The objectives of this project are to: (1) educate limited-resource farmers on sustainable vegetable production practices utilizing research-based information, (2) identify different market outlets as it relates to sale of vegetable crops and (3) educate limited-resource farmers on benefits of farm financial management and farm record keeping. We expect that this project will result in: (1) Increased capacity by the university to provide research-based information on sustainable production practices in relation to economics and ecological performance. (2) Increased opportunities to apply system approaches to agricultural management practices with practical value to farmers. (3) Ensure that farmers continue to have a guiding role in sustainable crop production research as it moves from working farms onto land grant experiment stations. (4) Identification new market alternatives based on consumer preferences that will help farmers target their marketing strategies effectively. (5) Increased number of farmers that engage in good farm record keeping (6) Increased financing opportunities for sustainable crop production farmers. (7) Increased networking and collaboration opportunities for farmers, researchers and extension. (8) Including students as part of this project will result in an increased pool of local scientists with the hands-on training necessary to work in the area of agriculture. (9) Publications in peer-reviewed journals.