A survey was done in selected areas with clay soils in Trinidad and Guyana to gain further insights into the soil and water management problems on small farms. The survey showed that many farmers, especially in Guyana, expend large amounts of energy using hand tools in weed control and land preparation. Farmers had problems in timing tillage operations due to the weather, unavailability of equipment and cost of tillage. The limitations to land preparation, fertility and water management and weed control are highlighted. The potential of reduced tillage methods, for soil and water conservation and stable continuous soil productivity, is discussed. Results of tillage studies in Trinidad and Guyana are summarised. Suggestions for future research to obviate the limitations to increased use of reduced tillage methods are discussed.