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Global Farmer Field School Platform

Year of publication 2018

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 2

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Category Brochure

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Farmer Field Schools (FFS) have been implemented in over 90 countries since they started in a FAO programme in Asia more than 25 years ago. The FFSs approach, using experiential group learning process that examines and integrates scientific and indigenous knowledge to a local context, enhances food security and sustainable agricultural development of vulnerable communities. Farmer Field Schools have proven to contribute to individual, household and community empowerment that improve livelihoods. Demand is growing for scale up FFS programmes from a wide range of stakeholders. In 2017, FAO began developing the Global FFS Platform to strengthen FS quality by connecting the extensive network of FFS practitioners worldwide. The Platform facilitates the exchange of knowledge, expertise and information on FFS. It documents, improves the visibility of achievements and promotes a stronger collaboration among committed stakeholders. This brochure is meant to describe the Platform, attract people interested in learning more about FFS and FFS practitioners and experts that can join the platform as members.

Language English

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    The Farmer Field School (FFS) approach has been very successful and witnessed a strong expansion in many areas beyond crop production. Notwithstanding this success, the adoption of FFS in national extension often remains problematic and FFS activities have often been implemented in the margin of national institutions with strong reliance on donor funding. The creation of an enabling environment for institutional support is essential for expanding the effort, improving quality, and strengthening impact and continuity of the FFSs. This paper aims to analyse opportunities, challenges and implications of institutionalizing FFS at the national level.
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    Agriculture is the main livelihood for the majority of Kenyans, contributing 26 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In rural areas, more than 70 percent of informal employment comes from agriculture. However, in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), recurring droughts and erratic weather patterns have resulted in low productivity, food shortages and price increases, presenting significant roadblocks to nutrition. Despite progress in recent years, one in every four children under five years old (26 percent of children) in Kenya is impacted by chronic malnutrition, while acute child malnutrition rates remain high in the ASALs. Displacement and conflict have further exacerbated malnutrition and food insecurity. Kenya is host to 494 585 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from South Sudan and Somalia. Among those, 186 000 live in Turkana County, for the most part divided between Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei settlement. Interventions focusing solely on increasing agricultural production have not necessarily translated to improved nutrition or diet. Against that backdrop, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has promoted nutrition-sensitive Farmer Field Schools (FFS) providing community-facilitated training sessions on crop production and livestock, with additional one‑month nutrition modules on producing, processing, preserving and culinary preparation of foods with a high-nutrient content.
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