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Title Is the farmer field school still relevant? Case studies from Malawi and Indonesia
Full text https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/566001
Date 2020
Author(s) Berg, Henk, van den; Ketelaar, Jan Willem; Dicke, Marcel; Fredrix, Marjon
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.
Subject(s) Adult education; Farmer field school; Impact evaluation; Rural development; Sustainable rural livelihoods
Language en
Relation https://edepot.wur.nl/524608
Type of publication Article/Letter to editor
Format application/pdf
Source NJAS Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences 92 (2020); ISSN: 1573-5214
Rights Wageningen University & Research
Identifier 10.1016/j.njas.2020.100329
Repository Wageningen - University of Wageningen
Added to C-A: 2020-06-22;10:47:50