Comparing Formal And Informal Survey Techniques For Farming Systems Research: A Case Study From Kenya
This report evaluates the benefits of conducting a formal survey, in addition to an informal or rapid reconnaissance survey, in the diagnostic phase of a farming systems research program. The purpose of the survey was to develop an understanding of local farming systems and to plan a program of experiments to address farmers problems. The researchers evaluated the benefits of the formal survey by comparing data collected in an informal survey to data collected in a subsequent formal survey. the researchers found that the contribution of the formal survey was marginal to its costs.