MINISTRY OF LANDS, AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES, WATER AND RURAL

DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE
ZNQF level 5

MODULE

AFM122 AGRIBUSINESS AND FARM MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROJECT

Authors:
Muwani Rosemary, Bsc Honours in Agribusiness Management: Lecturer Gwebi
Nyaruwata Constance, Bsc Honours in Agribusiness Management: Lecturer Gwebi
Nzira Sharon, Bsc Honours in Agribusiness Management: Lecturer Chibero

Reviewed by:
Nyariri Paxton, Bsc In Agriculture Management: Lecturer Shamva

Dube Precious, BSc Agribusiness, Lecturer, Mlezu Agricultural College

Senzanje Kudakwashe, MSc in Agribusiness Systems Management and Development, BSc
Honours in Economics and Management, Lecturer, Kushinga Phikelela
Coordinated by

Prof B. M. Mvumi, Prof E. Mashonjowa, Prof J. Masaka and Mr. P. Kasasa

December 2023
 Acknowledgments
The authors extend their gratitude to the following institutions, stakeholders and individuals
for the invaluable support and contributions provided during the review and development of
the Agriculture Colleges Curriculum review:

● The European Union for providing financial support to facilitate 'the review of the
agricultural colleges curricula under the auspices of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth
Programme (ZAGP).
● Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO), lead partners for the ZAKIS and SAFE projects of the ZAGP
respectively who spearheaded the curriculum review process.
● Community Technology Development Organization (CTDO), one of the ZAKIS
partners that jointly coordinated the curriculum review process with the SAFE project
team.
● Consultants, agricultural experts, Agriculture College Principals, Vice Principals and
lecturers for their attention to detail and support offered during the consultations and
write shops.
● The Director, Deputy Directors and Staff in the Department of Agriculture Education
within the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development for
working tirelessly to ensure that this module is finalised.

It is our conviction that the Agricultural Colleges Curricula will contribute significantly to the
Agriculture Transformation jigsaw in pursuance of Vision 2030 objectives.

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Table of Contents

MODULE INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................
Module Aims/goals..........................................................................................................................................................
Module Objectives...........................................................................................................................................................
Learning outcomes...........................................................................................................................................................
UNIT 1 GUIDELINES TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL........................................................................................
1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................
1.1 Learning outcomes.....................................................................................................................................................
1.2 Unit learning materials..............................................................................................................................................
1.2.1 How to write a research project proposal.........................................................................................................
1.2.3 The format of a research proposal write up......................................................................................................
1.3 Activities....................................................................................................................................................................
1.4 Learning model..........................................................................................................................................................
1.5 Assessments...............................................................................................................................................................
1.6 Additional resources..................................................................................................................................................
UNIT 2 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS..........................................................................................................
2.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................
2.1 Learning Outcomes....................................................................................................................................................
2.2 Learning Materials.....................................................................................................................................................
2.2.1 How to design a questionnaire..........................................................................................................................
2.2.2 How to carry out a direct observation...............................................................................................................
2.2.3 How to formulate questions to use in the interviews........................................................................................
2.3 Activities....................................................................................................................................................................
2.4 Learning model..........................................................................................................................................................
2.5 Assessment................................................................................................................................................................
UNIT 3 RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT.......................................................................................................................
3.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................
3.1 Learning outcomes.....................................................................................................................................................
3.2 Learning materials.....................................................................................................................................................
3.2.1 Presentation of research data............................................................................................................................
3.2.2 Data analysis.....................................................................................................................................................
3.2.3 Discussion of research results...........................................................................................................................
3.2.4 Writing a final research project document.......................................................................................................
3.3 Learning model..........................................................................................................................................................
3.4 Assessment................................................................................................................................................................
UNIT 4 GUIDELINES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUPERVISORS AND STUDENTS...............................................
4.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................................................
4.1 Instructions to the supervisor.....................................................................................................................................
4.2 Instructions to the student..........................................................................................................................................
4.3 Format for research project write ups........................................................................................................................
4.3.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................
4.3.2 Background of the Project................................................................................................................................

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 4.3.3 Problem statement............................................................................................................................................
4.3.4 Objectives.........................................................................................................................................................
4.3.5 Justification.......................................................................................................................................................
4.3.6 Assumptions/ hypothesis..................................................................................................................................
4.3.7 Literature review...............................................................................................................................................
4.3.8 Methodology.....................................................................................................................................................
4.3.9 Results and Discussion.....................................................................................................................................
4.4 Summary....................................................................................................................................................................
4.5 Key words..................................................................................................................................................................
5.0 ANNEXURES...........................................................................................................................................................
5.1 Assessment tools........................................................................................................................................................
6. ERENCES....................................................................................................................................................................

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MODULE INTRODUCTION
The Agribusiness and Farm Management Research Project seeks to develop your research skills in
identifying agribusiness challenges and information gaps. The module will provide you with guidelines
to write an agribusiness and farm management research project proposal. To attain this, you are going
to be mentored in formulating a research topic, writing a problem statement, literature review,
justification, research objectives, formulating research questions, coming up with research assumptions,
and devising an analytical framework and methodology. The module will guide you in sampling, data
collection, data analysis and research report writing as well.

Module Aims/goals
This module aims to equip you with knowledge, skills and aptitudes in carrying out an Agribusiness
and Farm Management Research Project that seeks to impart you with research skills.

Module Objectives
The objectives of the module are to:

(i) Assist you in applying agribusiness research concepts,

(ii) Enable you to write a research proposal,

(iii) Guide you in carrying out research and research report writing.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

(i) identify agribusiness-related problems

(ii) formulate solutions to problems

(iii) Write a project proposal

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UNIT 1 GUIDELINES TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

1.0 Introduction

In this unit you are going to be guided in the process of writing a research project proposal.
You will get the steps in formulating a research topic, outlining the research problem statement
and coming out with the justification of your research. More to that, you will be assisted in
coming up with research objectives, research questions, the analytical framework,
methodology, research plan, research time frame and the budget in the Agribusiness and Farm
Management field of study. This unit will articulate what mistakes to be avoided in writing a
research proposal and how to produce a stellar written document. You are going to be provided
with electronic links and names of books that will help you in writing a research proposal.

1.1 Learning outcomes

By the end of the unit you are expected to;

(i) Identify challenges in the agribusiness and farm management field of study

(ii) Design a research topic relating to the challenges you identified

(iii) Describe the sort of the problem and justify the reason for the research

(iv) Device research objectives, questions and the research analytical framework.

(v) Select the appropriate research methodology, area, time frame and give a budget for the
research project.

1.2 Unit learning materials

For you to come up with the expected research proposal, follow the guidelines outlined in these
resource materials;

1.2.1 How to write a research project proposal

https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/dissertation-topics/

1.2.2 Mistakes to avoid when writing research proposal

https://www.uh.edu/~lsong5/documents/A%20sample%20proposal%20with%20comment.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvH3xV0l28s [A YouTube video on mistakes to avoid]

1.2.3 The format of a research proposal write up.

ghttps://www.scribbr.com/proofreading-editing/?
scr_source=knowledgebase&scr_medium=sidebar&scr_campaign=old

1.3 Activities

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 1. Write, present and submit a project proposal for a challenge or problem you have
identified in the agribusiness and farm management field of study.

2. Discuss the mistakes to avoid when writing research proposals.

1.4 Learning model

The production of the research proposal is going to follow the blended block flipped classroom
model.

1.5 Assessments

Research proposal write-up

Research proposal presentation

1.6 Additional resources

www.focast.app>faqs

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UNIT 2 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS

2.0 Introduction

This part of the module will introduce to you the various instruments that are used in data
collection. The methods that are used for data collection comprise questionnaires, direct
observation and interviews. So you will be assisted in the designing of a questionnaire, how to
carry out a direct observation and formulating research questions to be asked during the
interviews.

2.1 Learning Outcomes

When you are done with this unit you are expected to;

1. Identify and produce an appropriate data collection instrument that you are going
to use in collecting data for the research you are undertaking.

2.2 Learning Materials

You are encouraged to use the following resource materials to guide you in the process of
developing a data collection instrument that you will use for collecting data for your research
project;

2.2.1 How to design a questionnaire

https://www.researchgate.net/signup.SignUp.html

https://www.b2binternational.com/files/08-market-research-ch8.pdf

https://www.lboro.ac.uk/media/wwwlboroacuk/content/library/downloads/advicesheets/
Questionnaire%20Design.pdf

2.2.2 How to carry out a direct observation

https://www.cottagehealth.org/app/files/public/b77c3f3c-ba74-44e4-9acd-fdb0186810f1/
Collect_Data_Plan_Conduct_Observations_Cottage_Health_Evaluation_Toolkit.pdf

https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_1758

2.2.3 How to formulate questions to use in the interviews

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/writing-interview-questions

https://qualpage.com/2018/02/15/tips-for-formulating-interview-guides-for-semi-structured-
qualitative-interviews-part-2/

https://sociology.fas.harvard.edu/files/sociology/files/interview_strategies.pdf

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2.3 Activities

1. Identify a data collection tool that is appropriate for the type of data that ought to
be collected for your research project.

2.4 Learning model

The design of the research data collection instrument is going to follow the blended block
flipped classroom model and mentoring.

2.5 Assessment

A data collection instrument that is appropriate to the kind of data to be collected for the
research project being undertaken.

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UNIT 3 RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT
3.0 Introduction

This concluding unit will delve on how you will report your research findings. After writing
the research proposal, you are going to be assisted in the presentation of research data, data
analysis, and discussion of research results, conclusion and recommendations. You are going to
be guided in the production of the final research document for submission.

3.1 Learning outcomes

When this unit tails off you are expected to

1. Write the findings of your research project.

2. Present and submit your research findings.

3.2 Learning materials

The following resource materials (links and text books) are to guide you in the process of
developing a data collection instrument that you will use for collecting data for your research
project;

3.2.1 Presentation of research data

https://www.proof-reading-service.com/en/blog/present-data-successfully-academic-scientific-
research/#:~:text=Data%20can%20be%20presented%20in,results%20in%20the%20first
%20place.

https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/how-to/how-to-present-research-findings

3.2.2 Data analysis

https://library.up.ac.za/c.php?g=485435&p=4425510#:~:text=Data%20analysis%20is%20the
%20most,determine%20patterns%2C%20relationships%20or%20trends.

https://www.cwauthors.com/article/Presenting-data-tables-figures-in-academic-article

3.2.3 Discussion of research results

https://www.statisticssolutions.com/dissertation-resources/discussion-section/#:~:text=The
%20discussion%20section%20links%20the,scope%20of%20your%20research%20study.

https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/discussion/

3.2.4 Writing a final research project document

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https://www.template.net/business/report-templates/research-project-report/

3.3 Learning model

The production of the research proposal is going to follow the blended block flipped classroom
model.

3.4 Assessment

Research Project write up

Research Project presentation

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UNIT 4 GUIDELINES AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUPERVISORS AND STUDENTS

4.0 Introduction

This section of the module outlines guidelines and instructions to both the student and the
supervisors. The templates for the write-ups, supervisor`s work and the scoring sheets for
marking written documents and presentations are also included.

4.1 Instructions to the supervisor

At the outset of the research, the supervisor should explore in detail the objectives of the new
curriculum in implementing this research project for the Agribusiness and Farm Management
Section. The Curriculum objectives will guide him/her so that the student will meet the
requirements of the research project that will dove-tail into the curriculum objectives. The
supervisor is expected to follow the assessment criteria whenever the student is coming for
consultation. The supervisor has the following responsibility;

i. The supervisor will give guidance to the students on the nature of the research and the
standard expected; i.e. the selection of a research topic, the planning and timing of the
successive stages of the research project; literature review; research methods and instruments.

ii. The supervisor should communicate the timeframe for presentations and
submission of write ups, within the expected time period, and should advise the student
accordingly.

iii. The supervisor should, in discussion with the student, establish and maintain a
satisfactory timetable for the research, including the necessary completion dates for
each stage, so that the project may be submitted on time.

iv. Written records of formal supervisory meetings should be made and retained by
both the student and supervisor. This will assist in getting the supervisor`s mark.

v. The supervisor should read promptly all the written work submitted in accordance
with the agreed timetable and provide constructive and timely feedback.

vi. The supervisor should read and comment on drafts of the project before submission.

vii. In case the student has been asked to resubmit the research project, the supervisor
will be responsible for continuing to provide support and supervision throughout the
resubmission period.

4.2 Instructions to the student

From the onset of the research the student should discuss with the supervisor the type of
guidance believed to be most helpful and the training that may be required, in order to clarify

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both the requirements and goals of the research project. The student should work with the
supervisor to identify and select strategies to meet these requirements and objectives. He/she
has the following obligations;

(i). The student should have all the details of the objectives and what he/she is expected of in
the new curriculum and in the implementation of this research project for the Agribusiness and
Farm Management Section.

(ii). The student should work with the supervisor to establish an effective supervisory
relationship, tackling the research with a positive commitment.

(iii). The student should reach an agreement with the supervisor on the record-keeping of
supervisory meetings. Both the student and supervisor should keep copies.

(iv). The student should submit written work to the supervisor regularly and in good time, in
accordance with the agreed timetable. This work should be word processed.

( v). The student should take note of any guidance and feedback offered by the supervisor.

4.3 Format for research project write ups

Title of the project, college name and logo, in association with a university (Name of
University), Name of student (candidate number), Month and year of submission. Declaration
statement, (This project write-up is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the
Diploma in Agriculture Program), Names and signatures of the supervisors.

Preliminary pages:

(i) Declaration statement

(ii) Acknowledgements

(iii) Dedication

(iv) Table of Contents

(v) Symbols and abbreviations

(vi) List of Tables

(vii) List of Figures

4.3.1 Introduction

The introduction should be a guide to your reader to a specific area that your research is
covering. A lot is covered in the introduction which will summarise the whole research which
includes the context, scope and importance of the study. A good introduction should have the
following:
● The ability to help the reader better understand the research topic.

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 ● An explanation of why the research is worth reading.
● Captivating the reader’s interest.
● A short and concise discussion of the research (including previous research work results
in summary).
The length of your introduction can take a wide range of words, however it's important to keep
in mind that quality is better than quantity. Your supervisor will guide you accordingly,
however an average of 3 to 5 sentences should be enough.

4.3.2 Background of the Project

The first section of research which justify the need of your carrying out the research. Outline
developments that led to the current situation. Provide background of the project in one
paragraph with a maximum of 250 words. The summary should include;

(i) Description of the topic

(ii) What drove you to do the project

4.3.3 Problem statement

This is a statement that will describe the issue that needs to be studied and the problem you will
try to address or condition to be improved upon. Identify the gap between the current state and
desired state. The statement has to be concise and clearly articulating a specific area and also
answering a specific research question. In agribusiness research areas include the marketing,
supply chain, consumer demand, price analysis, farm financial management, productivity and
efficiency, labour, inventory control, information and communication technology (ICT),
pricing e.t.c

N.B Not more than one statement

4.3.4 Objectives

The research objectives should be SMART, that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic
and time framed. They should also be relevant to the agribusiness section and should
summarize what you intend to achieve from the project (one main objective).

4.3.5 Justification

Research justification gives reason why you choose to focus on a certain topic, and what gaps
your research intends to cover. This comes from an in depth study of current literature around
the topic. Also note it has to be briefly stated in the introduction.

-Why this project and not any other?

-Who will benefit and how?

-What new aspect will your research bring?

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4.3.6 Assumptions/ hypothesis

This is a prediction that you as a researcher put across, of the likely effects based on your
knowledge before starting a research.

-Write a statement with factors considered to be real, putting a safe guide if the assumption is
proven false.

4.3.7 Literature review

As a researcher you have to go through credible sources related to the topic, used in research
papers, journals, theses. You have to gather what literature says at world, Africa, country and
community level about: importance, what literature says about the enterprise problems and best
practices. Most current and relevant and authentic literature should be used
Online sources are also important such as Google scholar. Your literature review should not be
more than one page.
The development of a literature review has four stages to be followed:
● Problem formulation
● Literature search
● Data evaluation
● Analysis and interpretation
The write up, referencing and citation should follow a specific writing style as instructed by the
supervisor. In this case use the Harvard Referencing system unless stated otherwise.

4.3.8 Methodology

This is a specific procedure used to identify, select, process and analyse information about a
topic and should encompass the following

● Location (where project is to be done)

● Project operation and management
● Sampling
● Collection procedure
● Tools
● Use conceptual framework.
● Project budget
● ethical considerations

4.3.9 Results and Discussion

This section is where you report the main findings of the data collected and analysed from your
research. The presentation of results will be through oral presentation and written report.
Results should be organised according to research questions, using statistics at this stage you

15
are not required to conduct a hypothesis test, however you should have an understanding of
how to craft one.
The discussion section interprets for the readers and provides the significance of the findings.

4.3.10 Conclusion and Recommendations

This is the summary of the discussed data. The conclusion is drawn from the main facts of your
findings whereas the conclusion answers your problem statement.

NB: The format needs to be adjusted to meet the write-up at hand.

4.4 Summary

The module has equipped the students with knowledge, skills and aptitudes in carrying out an
Agribusiness and Farm Management Research Project. The main goal is to assist learners in
applying agribusiness research concepts to write a research proposal, designing a data
collection instrument and research report writing. It is hoped that the student has managed to
write and present a research project proposal and submitted and presented his/her research
findings.

4.5 Key words

Research topic, problem statement, justification, literature review, research objectives,

Research questions, data collection, data analysis and discussion of results.

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5.0 ANNEXURES
5.1 Assessment tools
Table 5.1Research Project Assessment
Item Component
Report 70%
Project proposal 10%
Oral presentation of Project Report 10%
Supervisor’s assessment of project execution 10%

Table 5.2 Scoring sheet for assessing Research Project Presentations

Parameter Possible mark Actual mark

Personal attributes 10
Problem statement 5
Research objectives and 15
justification
Methodology 20
Organisation of the 10
presentation
Results and discussion 20
Visual aids 5
Public speaking skills 5
Question handling skills 10
Total 100

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 Table 5.3 Project Proposal Document/ Write-up score sheet
Student Number ………………………Marker ………………………………………
Moderator…………………………………………………

Category Explanation Possible Actual Markers

mark (%) Mark (%) comments
Topic & The student should have clearly 5
Identification of a identified a problem that is
research problem researchable, expressed it in a clear
statement and managed to break it
down using relevant practical
objectives/questions
Review of The student should show knowledge of 15
literature what a literature review entails. The
review must have a logical flow of ideas
from other prominent scholars in the
subject area and be relevant to the
review to the questions/objectives. The
student must show a gap in knowledge
Research The student should indicate knowledge 20
Methodology of the tools and methods in research.
The methods used should be clearly
explained and the research design well
summarised
Presentation and The student must present the results in 20
discussion of accordance with the objectives. The
findings results must make sense and be in
accordance with the
objectives/questions. Results must be
discussed indicating their implication on
broader issues and
Conclusions and Conclusions must be in line with the 10
Recommendations objectives i.e. they should answer the
questions posed in the first chapter.
Relevant recommendations based on
results may be made
Presentation The student should have followed the 5
stipulated guidelines and produced a
document with logical flow
Writing and clarity The writing style is a key part at this 5
level. Students should indicate that they
have been introduced to academic
writing by clarity, neatness, consistency
and logic.
References Students must have grasped academic 10

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 referencing techniques
Total 100

Table 5.4 Supervisor Assessment of Project Execution form

Student Number:……………………Marker ……………………………
Moderator…………………………………………………

Parameter Percentage (%) Mark allocated (%)

Communication 10
Initiativeness 20
Timeliness of operations 10
Record keeping 10
Dedication/attitude 10
Originality 10
Utilisation of resources 10
Decision making 10
Planning 10
Total 100

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Approval Form
I certify that the following student _____________________________________________
Student Number __________________________ was under my supervision. I further certify
that he/she has attended all the scheduled meetings with me and that he/she has fulfilled all the
requirements that I set before him/her as the supervisor. It is my professional judgment that the
research project is of a sufficiently high standard as to be submitted with my name attached to
it as the supervisor. I hereby release the student without reservation to submit his/her
dissertation for examination.
Name of Supervisor ________________________________________________________

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Table 5.5 Project Proposal Marking Guide

Student Number ………………………………Marker ……………………………………

Moderator………………………………………
Parameter Percentage (%) Mark Allocated (%)
Personal Presentation 5
Public Speaking and Visual Aids 10
Relevance of topic 10
Problem Statement 10
Justification 10
Objectives 10
Literature Review 10
Methodology 30
Handling of Questions 5
TOTAL 100

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 Table 5.6 Progress and Schedule of Work Form
Student Name _____________________________ Student Number ________________
Supervisor’s Name _______________________ Date : _______________
Assignment Remarks Date Revise/Proceed Students Supervisor’s
to next stage signature signature
Topic of project

Project proposal

Literature Review

Research
Methodology
Data collection tools

Data analysis,
findings and
discussion
Conclusions

Recommendations

Formatting & final

preparation for
presentation and
examination

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Table 5.7 Relationship between Agribusiness and Farm Management Research Project
and the five pillars of agricultural education for development (AE4D)

PILLAR PROJECT RELEVANCE

Training This project accorded you the training on how to write a project
proposal, implement a project, discuss the results and make
recommendations.
Extension and The knowledge you gain from this project will capacitate you to provide
business advisory extension and advisory business services to the needy after graduation.
Research By undertaking the project, you are now able to identify agricultural
challenges/problems, find solutions and make sound recommendations.
Also, you will provide a platform for future researchers to problem-
solving.
Innovation The knowledge gained through research may help improve agricultural
productivity (return/$ invested per hectare) and sustainability. Students
undertaking this project are expected to come up with innovative ideas
which will transform the agricultural sector through offering solutions to
current challenges faced in agribusinesses.
Entrepreneurship This project gave you an opportunity to generate income, create
employment and improve the value of agricultural produce. From the
project proposal, you were able to plan for resources required for the
project and how they are best managed during implementation of the
project, thus acquiring a business mind set.

Plagiarism Statement
Plagiarism constitutes a serious academic offence which can result in disqualification

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6. REFERENCES
John W, (2011), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches,
4th Edition.

Jarvis, Peter 2006; Research Methods Knowledge Base.

Ravitch, Sharon M. and Matthew Riggan, 2010; Theory Construction and Model-Building
Skills: A Practical Guide for Social Scientists. New York: Guilford

Sharan B, (2009)) Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation 4th Edition

Sutton, Robert I. and Barry M. Staw, 2017; Reason and Rigor: How Conceptual Frameworks
Guide Research. Second edition. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE

Trochim, William M.K. 2017; Reason and Rigor: How Conceptual Frameworks Guide
Research. Second edition. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE

Wayne C, (2010), The Craft of Research, Third Edition. William S. P. and Jan B, (2012),
Technical Approach, Prentice-Hall, Canada.

William S. P. and Jan B, (2012), Technical Approach, Prentice-Hall, Canada.

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