Findings, implications and lessons learned

• This case study demonstrates the importance of developing a research strategy before embarking on a research project.

• A flow chart has been shown to illustrate the different stages in the research process. Ideally, a time frame also needs to be planned so that the project can be completed within the time allotted for the research.

• The details required in the preparation of a study protocol are illustrated. Researchers are not always good at writing protocols; a place for this in biometrics and research method courses will be beneficial.

• One step in the research strategy is perhaps missing - the process of how results should be disseminated to smallholders.

• Methods of analysis and interpretation of principal component and cluster analyses have been demonstrated.