Is the farmer field school still relevant? Case studies from Malawi and Indonesia. (1st December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van den Berg, Henk; Ketelaar, Jan Willem; Dicke, Marcel; Fredrix, Marjon
• Is Part Of: Netherlands journal of agricultural science. Volume 92(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2020-12-01
• Subjects: FAO -- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations -- FFS -- Farmer Field School -- FISP -- Farm Input Subsidy Program (Malawi) -- IPM -- Integrated Pest Management; Adult education -- Farmer field school -- Impact evaluation -- Sustainable rural livelihoods -- Rural development; Agriculture -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Research -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.njas.2020.100329
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1573-5214

Abstract

Highlights: The FFS continues to be used and adapted in agriculture and other disciplines. The FFS helped farmers improve their practices, diversify their farms and income sources and collaborate. Different institutional arrangements between the two countries highlight the importance of coordinated support for the FFS. Long-term impacts were found at farmer and institutional level. Abstract: The capacity of farmers to adapt to changing environments is critical for sustainable, economically viable and resilient rural development. The Farmer Field School (FFS) was developed by FAO in the late 1980s to build farmers' knowledge and skills for adaptive management. The FFS was subsequently implemented in over 90 countries by a multitude of stakeholders. We conducted case studies in Malawi and Indonesia to answer contemporary questions about the FFS, regarding its relevance at field level, its position in the institutional environment, and its contribution to rural development. We show that the FFS remains relevant at field level, helping farmers to adapt their agricultural practices and livelihood situation to changing circumstances. Differences in institutional arrangements between the two countries highlight the importance of a coordinated support for the FFS. Long-term impacts were found at farmer and institutional level. This study provides insight into the FFS, regarding the causal factors of change, institutional factors, and the role in continued development. As an approach that empowers rural people, the FFS thus contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.