The Knowledge Transfer Curriculum

The Farmer Field School Approach

The concept of Farmer Field School (FFS) is an approach developed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) centred on problem solving and discovery based learning. Its interactive and participatory nature provides an avenue for farmers to increase their knowledge and adaptive capacity through various problem identification and problem solving activities. Farmers become expert decision makers on how to analyze and improve their own production systems through self-perfecting and practice. FFS is a way of integrating local tradition knowledge with technical scientific knowledge and technologies which bridges the gap between vulnerability and adaptability, especially in a changing climate. Its participatory approach allows farmers to be a part of their own solution through the contribution of their knowledge and expertise in the field, as well as their perception and understanding of climate change. Researchers, facilitators and extension staff also formulates an important part of the creation, execution and evaluation of these experiential learning activities which not only benefit farmers but also contributes to national food security, livelihoods and the quality of food.

Principles of FFS

Farmer Centered: In FFS farmers conduct their own field studies and hence become more aware of how they learn and solve problems so that they can be 'experts' in the field. The local and indigenous knowledge possessed by farmers is an important part of adaptation. Within the FFS approach it forms the basis of what needs to be built upon or further explored.

The field is the learning place: Learning takes place on what is referred to as a demoplot. Various activities are centred on different concepts and practices so that farmers learn by observation and application within their local context.

Group Discovery Learning: In order to initiate behavioural change, the learning process centers on the concept of adult education through “learning by doing”.

Facilitation, not teaching: Facilitators serves as a guide during the learning process. Discussions, questions and exploring the ideas of farmers fosters discovery learning whilst empowering farmers about their ability to assess, analyze and make informed decisions.

Integrated and learner-defined curriculum: A FFS curriculum is user specific. It must be designed to fill a particular knowledge gap for members and accommodate amendments.

Agro-Ecosystem Analysis: The agro ecosystem analysis (AESA) is one of the cornerstones of the FFS approach. It involves observation, analysis and presentation for synthesis and discussion. This activity enhances participants’ analyzing skills as well as their presentation, thereby improving knowledge based decision making in addition to their communication capabilities.

Participatory monitoring and evaluation: The success of an FFS is monitored and evaluated through a plan which assess whether or not the objectives have been achieved and implemented by participants.