Relative Risk Index (RRI)

Relative Risk Index (RRI)
Description	RRI illustrates the overall level of risk a farmer faces in light of various cropping decisions and climatic variation. In the study referenced here, various levels of risk are categorized and rated and then the proportion of the total farm area planted to each category of risk is calculated. The index is determined on the basis of the proportion of relatively risky versus relatively conservative crops planted.
Appropriate Use	To illustrate the relative risk positions of individuals (before or after adaptation) and begin to explain changes in cropping practices.
Scope	All locations; farm or regional level analysis.
Key Output	A relative risk index
Key Input	Data on annual variations in cropping practices.
Ease of Use	Easy
Training Required	No formal training required, although an understanding of various agronomic practices is an asset.
Documentation	Smit, B., R. Blain, and P. Keddie. 1997. Corn hybrid selection and climatic variability: Gambling with nature? The Canadian Geographer 41(4):429-438.
Applications	Used in research of commercial cash crop farming in Ontario, Canada.
Contacts for Framework, Documentation, Technical Assistance	Dr. Barry Smit University of Guelph, Department of Geography, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada; Tel: 519.824.4120 ext. 3279; Fax: 519.837.2940; e-mail: bsmit@uoguelph.ca.
Cost	Not identified
References	See documentation