The Plot Planner is the best developed module of the FarmTreeTool. Based on local data, it presents a user-friendly menu for farmers. They can select options such as tree species, crops, and inputs. It further asks for location, size; risks and opportunities (water availability, grower’s experience, market opportunities, etc.). The Plot Planner then calculates a cash flow projection for 10-50 years that farmers can review. This is a revealing process. Some common crops yield little, and others have a good price-volume combination. In Senegal, young farmers expressed: “this is different from our parents’ agriculture!”. Plot plans are good stuff for discussion in Farmers Field Schools and training.
