romario carib studies
TRANSCRIPT
TITLE:An investigation into the impact that
Natural Disasters have on the farming industry in the community of
Water Wheel, Westmoreland.
CAPECommunication Studies
Internal Assessment (2012-2013)
Name: Romario Ricketts
School: Frome Technical High School
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INTRODUCTION
The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) has required of the candidates sitting
the Caribbean Studies examination to compile research of approximately 2000-2500 words.
Water Wheel is a small community in Westmoreland. It is located in the country of Jamaica and
is about 10 kilometers from the capital town Savanna-la-mar. Water Wheel consists of
approximately 200 households.
I have been residing in the Water Wheel for over 17 years. During this time I have observed that
there are a number of persons practicing farming on a large scale (commercial farming) and the
problems they face when natural disasters occur. Therefore I have decided to conduct a survey to
investigate on some of the problems they face when they are confronted with these occurrences.
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A few key terms presented in this assignment are to be highlighted, such as:
Natural Disasters
Hurricane
Drought
Tsunami
Earthquake
A Natural Disaster is something that is caused by natural forces (nature) rather than human
actions. For example: hurricanes, droughts, earthquake etc.
A Hurricane is a severe tropical storm with torrential rain and extremely strong winds. A
Drought is a period of extremely dry weather, when there is not enough rain falling for the
successful growth of crops or the replenishing of water supplies.
A Tsunami is a large destructive wave caused by an underwater weather earthquake or another
movement of the earth’s crust.
An Earthquake is a violent shaking of the earth’s crust that may cause destruction to buildings
and results from the sudden relief of tectonic stress along a fault line or from a volcanic activity.
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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
An investigation into the issues relating to the impact that Natural Disasters have on the farming
industry in the community of Water Wheel, Westmoreland.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
How do Natural Disasters impact on the farming industry in the community of Water Wheel, in
Westmoreland?
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PURPOSE OF RESEARCH
The reason why I opt to engage in this study was to fulfill the requirements of the Caribbean
Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). In addition, in doing this assignment I was able to
garner a better understanding of the subject matter ‘Natural Disasters’ and its effects on the
farming industry. This increased knowledge on the subject may also be of benefit to me in the
near future as I pursue a career in Environmental Science.
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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To be able to define Natural Disasters
To get a better understanding of the different Natural Disasters which affect my
community and Jamaica by extension.
To determine the extent to which Natural Disasters contribute to the financial burdens of
the famers in the community of Water Wheel, Westmoreland.
To ascertain the extent to which Natural Disasters affect the psych of individual living in
Water Wheel, Westmoreland.
To find out the financial support (if any) available for the famers who suffer Natural
Disasters.
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HYPOTHESIS
Natural Disasters impacted negatively on the persons practicing commercial farming in the
community of Water Wheel.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to Bing, a Natural Disaster is caused by Natural Forces (nature) rather than by human
action. For example: hurricanes, droughts, earthquakes etc.
There are many Natural Disasters globally but only a few are prone to Jamaica such as
hurricanes, droughts and earthquakes. It is in this succession that it moves from been recurrent
to.
The Caribbean Studies CAPE by Ruel B Reid, Dip Ed., states that a hurricane is a severe and
intense tropical cyclone with winds in excess of 120 KM per hour.
Jamaica, being located in the Caribbean, geographically, this land area has its coastline washed
by the Caribbean Sea. This geographical phenomenon makes the island more susceptible to
hurricane. Reid noted that hurricanes are developed and encouraged in the warmer waters. The
Caribbean Sea provides this very atmosphere to facilitate hurricane build up and survival.
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For decades, the effects of natural disasters have adversely affected the farming industry in
particular - the banana, sugarcane and coffee industry. The prevalence of these natural events
decreases the production of agricultural produces.
According to a Gleaner feature dating back to 1962 on pieces of the past hurricane, about two
and a half centuries ago a terrible hurricane hit Jamaica. It was described as the most devastating
hurricane to have hit the island up to that point in history.
Then Governor Colonel John Dalling described the occurrence in an official report to London
saying, “A mighty wave rose out of the boiling sea and seeped over the coast for a mile.” I am
sure everyone has heard of the historical account when ships were able to sail up Georges Street,
Savanna-la-mar. It was after this very hurricane.
As it relates to flooding stemming from hurricanes, Isadore and Lilly in successive weeks in
September 2002 are perfect examples. Rainfall in that month exceeded the 30 year mean by 180
per cent to a virtual hit by Ivan in 2004, our farmers were bombarded by severe tropical weather.
By July 2005, they were buffeted by winds from Dennis and Emily. Again in successive weeks
an unusual occurrence followed by flooding from tropical storm Wilma in October. The farmers
in the southern parishes bore the blunt of the dislocation and damage done to their crops.
Interestingly after a respite in 2006, Dean in 2007 and tropical storm Gustav again hammered
them in 2008. Not to mention the damage hurricane Sandy done to the banana producers on the
northern side of the island in 2011.
Dennis Morrison a contributor, published in the Gleaner on Sunday July 12, 2009 that there was
a steep decline in agricultural production of around 20 percent by 2008 as output fell by 7% in
2002, 11.2% in 2004, 6.8% in 2005, 6% in 2007 and 5.1% in 2008. Furthermore, longstanding
industries have wilted due to natural events. Most notably the banana export sector, which barely
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begins its recovery programs after each hurricane season only to be struck down by more
damaging weather in the subsequent year. Thus, banana exports went down from roughly 43,00
tons in 2001 to almost nothing in 2008; wiping out export earnings which stood at over US 18
million in 2001.
Another industry that suffers tremendous losses from this phenomenon is the sugar industry. In
reports from the daily Gleaner, Camilo Thame, a business reporter stated that the devastation
done by hurricane Ivan accounted for the fall in output of crops in the previous year which was
by far the lowest output on record.
In October 2004, some farmers in the parishes of Westmoreland, Hanover, Trelawny and St
Elizabeth received government vouchers to assist them in recovering from the remnants of
hurricane Charlie that destroyed their crops in August.
Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke stated that a disbursement of some $220 million recover fund
for the sector which was being administers by the Office of National Reconstruction (OCR) and
that the vouchers were being distributed by the Rural Agricultural Development Authority
(RADA).
Drought is another natural disaster that occasionally adds to the plights of our local farmers. This
has been a downfall for the farming industry since lack of water causes to wilt and sometimes
die. As a result of this dry time, bush fires are always occurring - affecting crops. John Myers Jr.,
Farmer Weekly Coordinator, asserted in a report by the Rural Agricultural Development
Authority (RADA) that the cost of damages to the Agricultural sector was estimated at more than
$270 million.
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Albert Shand, former Executive Director of RADA, told Farmers Weekly that more than 14,000
farmers were affected by the adverse drought. In addition, more than 2000 hectares of farmlands
were affected.
The cabinet earlier approved $40 million to assist farmers affected by the drought, which is in
addition to $12 million dollars that was given the month before to assist with distribution of
water in the worst affected areas. In addition, The former Agriculture Minister, Christopher
Tufton, opened the local market to facilitate the important critical vegetables to fill the void
created by protracted drought in local farming areas in 2009.
Earthquakes have also played an important role in shaping Jamaica’s history. During the period
of 1692 – 1957 there were several major earthquakes that rocked the Caribbean. The 1692
earthquake, which destroyed Port Royal, led to the creation of a new city across the harbor that
came to be called Kinston. On October 20, 1744, Savanna-la-mar, a place noted for trade of
agricultural produce, was destroyed in addition to Kingston and the remnants of Port Royal.
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THE RESEARCH DESIGN
In order to collect data for this research the researcher resorted to a survey. It was of great
significance since the researcher was able to use both qualitative and quantitative methods for
analysis and data.
Quantitative Analysis is a means of analyzing data. Much of quantitative data is collected by
using measurements, sometimes of number variables and across a sample. For each variable or
questioned asked, there are scores for each member (respondent) of the sample (that is the
responses from each respondent). The results form a frequency that can then be tabulated.
The information was gleamed using 3 different methods of data collection such as:
Questionnaire
Interview
Observation
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Some secondary sources used to collect data were:
Internet
Books
THE SAMPLE
As stated earlier in the introduction, the community of Water Wheel consists of approximately
200 households. It was calculated that a sample of 20 percent was necessary in order to ascertain
the challenges faced by farmers.
A total of 50 questionnaires were distributed to the community with the expectation of at least 40
of them being returned.
The 50 households were selected were supplied with questionnaires. In instances where members
were not at home, the questionnaires were left in the mailboxes having a note sticking out stating
the researchers need to have the questionnaires returned in a week. The researcher also provided
them with his personal mobile phone number so that if they encountered any problems while
filling out the questionnaire they could make contact.
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METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
As aforementioned, the researcher employed a number to methods amass information for this
assignment. These include:
Questionnaires
Observer
Internet
Textbooks
The questionnaire as a tool for collecting data has a number of advantages suited to the title of
this research paper, these include the following that fact that:
it is cost-effective; it is simple and easy to complete
guarantees confidentiality for the respondents
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it is convenient for both the researcher and respondents alike – since respondents were
able to respond to the questionnaire at their own convenience, without the monitoring of
the researcher and
The data can be easily tabulated, measured and analyzed.
The researcher have been observing persons practicing in Water Wheel for a period of time as
this was also means of getting information for my assignment.
The textbooks and internet were used to get additional information pertaining to my topic in
order to complete this assignment.
This survey conducted in the community of Water Wheel was deemed to be valid since the
researcher received first-hand information from the primary sources which were the residents of
Water wheel themselves.
In addition, there were reliable since the information given was proven to be true. As it relates to
credibility, the data received was thought credible since it taken from persons themselves who
are affected by Natural disasters.
I also received information from various sites namely:
observerjamaica.com
gleanerjamaca.com alongside others
These sources were considered credible and reliable since they all have a reputable legacy,
trusted and are often times used by people for references. The information received through this
medium was also relevant to our culture and dispensation.
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PRESENTATION OF DATA
A total of 50 questionnaires were distributed to the community, however only 30 were returned.
Of that number, 80 percent were males and 20 percent females.
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2%8%
30%
60%
How long have you been residing in Water Wheel?
1-5 years6-10 years11-15 yearsOver 15 years
Fig. 1: A pie chart showing how long respondents been living in Water Wheel.
Results/Responses
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It was discovered that most of the residence, sixty percent (60%), were living in the community
of Water Wheel for 15 years; thirty percent (30%) for 11-15 years; another eighth percent (8)
between (6-10) yeas and two percent (2%) between 1-5 years.
20-30 years 31-40 years 41-50 years Over 50 years0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Chart Title
Age
Fig. 2: Column chart showing the age group of persons practicing farming in Water Wheel.
Results/Responses
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This chart shows that majority of the persons practicing farming, forty percent (40%), are over
the age of fifty years. While thirty five percent (35%) is between the ages of 41-50 years, twenty
percent (20%) are between the ages of 31-40 and five percent (5%) between 20-30 years.
Yes
No
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Are you a Farmer?
Are you a Farmer?
Fig. 3: Cone column chart indicating the respondents who are farmer and those who are not.
Results/Responses
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This cone chart shows that most of the residents, sixty percent (60%) are farmers while forty
percent (40%) are not farmers.
How long have you been practicing faming?
1-5 years6-10 years11-15 yearsOver 15 years
Fig. 4: Donut chart showing how long respondents have been practicing farming.
Results/Responses
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A donut showing that the majority of the persons practicing farming, sixty percent (60%) have
been doing it for over 15 years, twenty five percent (25%) between 11-15 years, ten percent
(10%) between 6-10 years and five percent (5%) are between 1-5 years.
NATURAL DISASTERS PERCENTAGE OF FARMERS AFFECTED
Hurricanes & Flooding 100%
Drought 30%
Earthquake 0%
Fig. 5: Percentage of respondents who were affected by the Natural Disasters.
Results/Responses
This table shows the percentage of farmers who were affected by Natural Disasters. It is shown
that one hundred percent (100%) of the respondents were affected by hurricanes and flooding,
thirty percent (30%) were affected by drought. No one suggested that they were affected by
earthquakes.
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Did you lose livestock/farm produce during the occurrence of a Natural Disaster?
YesNo
Fig. 6: A pie chart showing the percentage of the respondents lost livestock/farm produce during
the occurrence of a Natural Disaster.
Results/Responses
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A pie chart showing that ninety (90%) of the respondents lost livestock during the occurrence of
a natural disaster while ten percent (10%) reported they did not lose anything.
Large amount of damage
Moderate amount of damage
Small amount of damage
No damage
70%
20%
8%
2%
To what extent was your farm/produce damaged?
To what extent was your farm/produce damaged?
Fig. 7: A bar chart showing the extent to which respondents’ farm/property was damaged.
Results/Responses
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The above bar chart shows that seventy percent (70%) of the farm/property was damaged to a
large extent, twenty percent (20%) received moderate damage, while 8% a small amount of
damage and two percent (2%) experienced no damage.
Number of respondents who received help from RADA to
restore property
Number of respondents who did not receive any help from
RADA
Of the respondents who received help, number of those who thought it was sufficient.
60% 40%
Yes No
20% 80%
Fig. 8: A table showing the persons who received help from the Rural Agricultural Development
Agency (RADA) to restore farm/property.
Results/Responses
A table showing that sixty percent (60%) of the farmers received help from the Rural
Agricultural Development Agency (RADA) to restore property while forty percent (40%) did not
receive any help. Of the respondents who received help, twenty percent (20%) said that the help
was sufficient while forty percent (40%) said it was not sufficient.
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INTERPRETATION OF DATA
An overwhelming majority of the residents of Water Wheel, Westmoreland stated that Natural
Disasters have negative implications for the community and its thriving farming industry.
Figure 1 shows that majority of the residents, sixty percent (60%) to be precise, were living in
this community for over 15 years, thirty percent (30%) between 11-15 years. Another eight
percent (8%) between 6-10 years and a meagre two percent (2%) have residing in the community
for 1-5 years.
Figure 2 shows the percentage of the resident of the residents who are farmers. Of the results
obtained, it is seen that sixty percent (60%) of the persons residing in Water Wheel are farmers
while the other forty percent (40%) are not.
Figure 3 shows that forty percent (40%) of the persons practicing farming are over the age of 50
years, thirty five percent (35%) are between 41-50 years while twenty percent (20%) are between
31-40 years. The other five (5%) are between 20-30 years.
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It was revealed from the study that sixty percent (60%) of the farmers have been involved in
farm practices for over 15 years, twenty five percent (25%) for 11-15 years, ten percent (10%)
for 6-10 years and five percent (5%) for 1-5 years.
Figure 5 revealed that all the farmers (100%) lost most of their crop due to the harmful effects of
hurricane and flooding while thirty percent (30%) of the respondents indicated that their crops
were affected by the drought. However, since 1907 Jamaica has not experience another severe
Earthquake. Hence, zero percent (0%) of the respondent indicated it.
The farmers were mostly affected by the effects of a hurricane and it is seen in Figure 6 that
ninety percent (90%) of the crops were destroyed while ten percent (10%) said they experience
no loss.
In Figure 7, seventy percent (70%) of the farmers agreed that a large amount of damage was
caused by a hurricane, twenty percent (20%) said they experienced a moderate amount of
damage, eight percent (8%) a small amount and two(2%) did not experience any damage.
Some of the farmers received help in restoring their property from Rural Agricultural
Development Agency (RADA). Of these, sixty percent (60%) said that they received assistance
while the other forty percent (40%) did not. Of the respondents who received help twenty percent
(20%) said it was sufficient while forty percent (40%) said it was not sufficient.
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FINDINGS
This survey has revealed substantial amount information on the impact that Natural Disasters
have on the farming industry. We are all aware that Natural Disasters cannot be avoided since
they are caused by nature but they can be predicted to some extent.
With the information received the researcher have discovered that:
Most of the persons practicing farming are males which are approximately 80% and 40%
of these persons practicing farming are over the age of 50 years.
Majority of the residents have been residing in the community of Water Wheel for over
10 years.
100% of the respondents agreed the natural disasters which they mostly affected by are
hurricane.
The Natural disaster which had the most devastating impact on the farming industry was
hurricane.
Seventy percent (70%) of the residents agreed that a large extent of their property was
damaged due to the hurricane.
Majority of the residents lost livestock/farm during a hurricane.
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DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
As stated in the Literature Review, Natural Disasters are intense tropical depressions, which
cause much damage to farming industries world over. Natural disasters cannot be prevented as
they occur naturally. However, some of them such as hurricanes can be predicted. Unfortunately,
natural disasters such as Earthquakes cannot be predicted.
The hypothesis stated that natural disasters impacted negatively on the farming industry which as
indicated by the results obtained. According to the research carried out, the hypothesis was well
supported since the residents of Water Wheel agreed that Natural disasters were actually a
serious issue in their community. Furthermore, the hypothesis can be related to the findings since
it was shown in the findings that the farmers’ farm/property were damaged to a large extent by
hurricanes and drought to some extent. In order to maintain machineries such as harvesters,
tractors and disc harrows etc., these commercial farmers need income which comes from the
Agricultural produce. If crops are destroyed then inflow of income will be reduced or stopped
altogether which causes much constraint on the farmers since they will have to find money to
repair machinery when hurricanes occur. In addition, laborers/workers have to be paid for their
services.
From the results the researcher realized that his community and Jamaica on a whole was prone to
certain Natural disasters. Only a few of these caused an immense amount of damage to crops.
However, hurricanes were responsible for most of the damages. Droughts to some extent have
also made some contributions to the destruction of Agricultural produce.
CONCLUSION
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In doing this research, the researcher has been able to educate himself more on the effects that
Natural Disasters pose to the farming industry. The hypothesis which stated that Natural
Disasters impacted negatively on the community of Water Wheel was well supported; the also
researcher discovered that Natural Disasters had a negative effect on the farming industry since it
caused destruction to both crops and property. Hence, farmers find it difficult to recover when
Natural disasters affect them. For recovery purposes they had to find income to restore their
property if they do not get any help from the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA).
Natural disasters cannot be prevented since they occur naturally by nature, but they can, to some
extent, be predicted. Therefore, we have to prepare ourselves for them and try to recover from it
when it causes any damage. The damage which these natural forces cause to crops lower the
production of goods. This affects Agricultural Market on a Local and International level. This
therefore causes Jamaica to export less and import more to meet the requirements of the country
since Agricultural produce are lowered and cannot meet the requirements of the country. Hence,
if Agricultural produce are reduced there will not be enough goods to export (send abroad)
therefore Jamaica will be at lost since foreign exchange income will be reduced.
LIMITATION OF STUDY
There were a number of factors that were faced during the process of this assignment. These
factors are as follows:
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Some persons were reluctant to accept the questionnaires- This was because they did not
see it as being beneficial to them.
Answers given by some of the correspondents were not straightforward- This was as a
result of them not being able to express themselves properly. To some extent this is
linked to their academic background.
Inconvenient timing due to other tasks which had to be completed- The researcher had
many interviews to conduct. Hence, the time to do each was limited. In addition, the
farmers did not have much time to spear because of the amount of time their jobs
required.
The interviews that were done provided too much irrelevant information- This was due
to the fact that most of respondents interviewed were straying from the subject matter.
Also, some of the answers which were obtained were too bulky which took much time to
summarize.
RECOMMENDATION
The importance of knowing what to do when Natural Disaster is about to occur or has occurred
cannot be over emphasized. Natural Disasters cannot be avoided as it is something that occurs by
nature. If a hurricane is about to happen farmers should gather all the produce that is fit for
market. After the hurricane strikes persons should try to recover as soon as possible.
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Members of the community can also be of help and play vital role in assisting farmers who need
to clean and restore the proper/farm after the occurrence of a hurricane. In the case of a Drought,
farmers should have a fully irrigated plant system to provide water since rainfall is scarce at this
particular time.
In order to solve the problems faced by farmers after the occurrence of Natural Disaster persons
should:
Invite members who are aware and capable of educating the farmers on how to approach
after the Natural disaster has occurred.
Write a letter to the editor concerning the issue especially if you are not receiving any
help from the Government
Talk to your parliamentary secretary on the possibility of introducing a law which states
that farmers who need help should be rendered assistance.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ruel B. Reid B.Sc. Dip. Edu (2002) Caribbean Studies- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
Examination (CAPE) Modules 1-3 Kingston, Jamaica. Ian Randle.
Evrol Beckford B.Sc., M.A (1999). Caribbean Studies Course Outline & Study notes. Jamaica
WEBSITE LINKS
April 23, 2005- http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20050423/farm/farm1.html.
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2006- http://www.jamica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060823/business/business7.html.
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Gender: ( ) Male ( ) Female
2. Are you a farmer?
( ) Yes
( ) No
3. How long have you been living in the community of …..?
( ) 1-5 years
( ) 6-10 years
( ) 11-15 years
( ) Over 15 years
4. Age group
( ) 20-30 years
( ) 31- 40 years
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( ) 41-50 years
( ) Over 50 years
5. Which Natural Disaster have you ever experienced?
( ) Hurricane
( ) Drought
( ) Flooding
( ) Earthquake
6. Have you ever experienced the damage of a Natural Disaster?
( ) Yes
( ) No
7. Have you lost any livestock or farm produce due to the effect of a Natural Disaster?
( ) Yes
( ) No
8. To what extent was your far / produce damaged?
( ) No damage
( ) Small amount of damage
( ) Moderate amount of damage
( ) Large amount of damage
9. Did you receive any help to restore your property?
( ) Yes
( ) No
10. Did you receive any help from the Rural Agricultural Development Agency (RADA)?
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( ) Yes
( ) No
11. How much of the property was restored from the help obtained?
( ) Yes
( ) No
12. How long after was the property restored after the Natural Disaster?
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