The cropping calendar follows the rainfall pattern, which is bimodal (Figure 2). January to March and July to September are relatively dry months when food crops are harvested and land is prepared for the next food crop. Planting usually coincides with the onset of the rains in April- May and October-November. The crop is weeded during the growing period. Coconuts are harvested in April to July and October to December.
Livestock includes sheep, goats, cattle and poultry. Sheep and goats are common and are kept under a free-grazing system. They are sold to provide cash for school fees, food and other household needs. Most of the cattle are local Zebus (Bos indicus), which are mainly kept as a source of cash and security for the household.