Geography General Proficiency S.B.

The characteristics of peasant farming in Richmond Vale & Bethel Gap in ST.Thomas Jamaica
Name: Jordan Semoy School: Saint Georges College Candidates Registration Number: Centre Number: 100107 Teachers Name: Ms.Mcleod Year Of Exam:2012

Table Of Content
Page # Acknowledgement Aim of Study Location of study Map of Jamaica Map of Study Area Methodology Analysis and Discussion of Data Presentation and Explanation of Data Conclusion Appendix Bibliography 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-8 9-11 12 13 14

Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Ms.McLeod who teaches me geography for explaining in full details the school based assessment and showing me corrections of what was to be done. I would also like to thank my mother (Miss. Wright) for helping me to compile the information for this assessment.

Aim Of Study
The aim of study is to determine the characteristics of peasant farming and factors which influence farming in the area of Richmond Vale, Bethel Gap in Saint Thomas Jamaica W.I.

Location Of Study
The location of study is in Richmond Vale and Bethel Gap in ST.Thomas Jamaica. This location is south west of Jamaica city Kingston and approximately21 miles from the city.

Map of Jamaica

Key ST.Thomas Study Area Division of Parishes Scale 1:1 220 000 4

Map of Study Area

Key Main Road River Study Area Scale 1:1 50 000 5

Methodology
The information collected was done an individual interview with each farmer. Each farmer was given the same questionnaire to answer which consisted of basic information about their life, job and lifestyle. When: May 21, 2011 Where: Bethel, Richmond Vale in Saint Thomas Jamaica W.I. How: Information was collected by pictures taken on the field trip and statistics of the information which was carried out on the field trip.

Presentation and Explanation of Data

Farmer 2 reaping sweet peppers to be sold to local market in Bethel Gap ST.Thomas Jamaica W.I. other crops planted on this farm is sweet potatoes and ginger. 7

Presentation and Explanation of Data

Farmer 4 plants the farm with local Irish potato and banana and plantain. This farmer sells produce to the coronation market in downtown Kingston to higglers but sometimes have difficulty with transporting the goods. 8

Analysis Of Discussion Data

Age Group OF Farmers

30%

40% 40-59 age group 50-59age group unknown age group 30%

Figure1: From figure 1,a total of 40% farmers were in the age group 40-49,30% percent of the farmers were in the age group 50-59 and30% percent of farmers there ages were unknown because these farmers could not have been interviewed due to area where the farm is located.

Analysis And Discussion Of Data

Gender of Farmers
45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Male Female Unknown Gender of Farmers

Figure2: From figure 2 a total of 40% of farmers were male,30% female and the next 30% is unknown because these farmers could not have been interviewed due to the area where the farm was located. 10

Analysis And Discussion Of Data

Farm Capital
10% 20% 40% N/A Unknown Fertlizer 30% Labour

Figure3: Based on statistics collected 40% of farm capital was not stated but could be noted that it is used for expenses such as utilities, purchases of equipment needed and so forth. 30% of statistics is unknown because these farmers could not have been interviewed. Fertilizer is 20% of farm capital and the next 10% is labour on the farm.

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Conclusion
From the information collected I concluded that peasant farming is a major occupation for people in Bethel Gap and Richmond Vale ST.Thomas Jamaica and reason for this choice of job is because 50% of farmers interviewed have a secondary education and this was the only form of jobs they could get. Farm labour is minimized vey much because this type of job is not profitable enough to pay workers, so family labour is used whenever available.Labours however is used in the peak seasons when the farmer can afford to employ them.

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Bibliography
Barker, D., Newby, C. and Morrissey. A Reader in Caribbean Geography, Ian Randle Publishers, Kingston1998. Certificate Atlas for the Caribbean, 2000, London, Georges Phillip Ltd, 200. Wilson, M.The Caribbean Environment for CXC Geography, Oxford University Press, New York, 2005. www.rada.gov.jm

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