Farmstead can be referred to as a farm house and all its production and processing structures. A farmstead is both a home and a production centre. In other words, a farmstead is the farmers dwelling place and production centre. Its planning is based on the system of a farm and on the need and comfort of the farmer's family.
Factors Influencing the Siting of Farms or Farmstead
In planning a farmstead, the following factors must be considered.
Topography
√ Topography determines the location of farm buildings and structures.
√ Farm buildings or living quarters are usually located on high elevations for proper viewing of the farm.
√ Animal quarters should be located far from the staff living quarters.
√ Locate crops like vegetables on low lying areas where moisture content is high.
√ Fish pound should be located on sloppy grounds Irrigation farms are best sited on flat grounds.
Soil Type
√ Crop farms are best sited on soils that are fertile.
√ Pastures are sited on less fertile soils.
√ Farm buildings and structures are best located on poor soils.
√ Farm roads are best constructed on well drained poor soils.
Accessibility
√ Locate facilities within walking distance.
√ Provide good roads to facilitate the transportation of farm inputs.
√ Ensure easy accessibility and evacuation of farm produce.
√ Good accessibility makes marketing of farm produce possible.
Water Supply
√ Adequate water supply is needed for human and animal use.
√ Livestock structures should be located close to source of water supply for easy cleaning.
√ Water is required for irrigation purposes.
Health / Hygiene
√ Erect livestock units against wind direction.
√ Locate animal units far away from human residential houses to avoid health hazards.
Nearness to Market
√ Nearness to market reduces distribution or transport cost.
√ It exposes products to many buyers.
√ It reduces the need for farm storage facilities.
Drainage
√ Adequate drainage is important to avoid waterlogging.
√ Gentle slope facilitates proper drainage.
√ Good drainage makes movement easier within the farm.
Reasons for Planning a Farmstead
√ It allows for proper utilization of resources without wastage.
√ It makes the farmer to be more responsive to market demand.
√ It encourages efficiency of farm activities.
√ It makes coordination and control of farm operations easier.
Principles of Farmstead Layout
Some specific principles are required for farmstead layout and these include:
√ Plant the crops on the best soil within the farm.
√ Livestock buildings should be located on the poorest soil within the farm.
√ Buildings should be located in easily accessible areas.
√ Farm building should not be located on slopes to avoid erosion.
√ Residential and office buildings should be located far away from livestock building to avoid the noise and unpleasant odour from farm animals wastes and dungs.
Source: Essential Books
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