What is a Farmer Field School?
A Farmer Field School (FFS) is a season-long training activity that takes place in the field. It is season-long so […]
FFS guide
Why season-long training?
An FFS is a season-long training for a number of reasons: Each stage of the crop has different pest problems.
Introducing the FFS
When a group of farmers has been selected to start an FFS the first step is to organize an introductory
Preparing for the FFS
Facilitating an FFS means you have to prepare yourself in advance for each session. If more than one facilitators are
FFS session
A typical FFS session will take 3 to 4 hours and will have the following schedule: Introduction Summarize what was
Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA)
The health of a plant is determined by its environment. This environment includes physical factors (i.e. sun, rain, wind and
AESA methodology
The following methodology was used in IPM training where the participants were learning to do an AESA in rice. For
FFS guide
Formal or non-formal education?
The type of training that takes place in a Farmer Field School is often referred to as “non-formal adult education”.
Seating arrangement in the FFS
Participatory training aims at increasing communication and sharing of knowledge between participants. The seating arrangement in the FFS is important.
Facilitators and facilitation skills
Role of a facilitator Facilitators require good facilitation skills to make the sessions interactive, interesting and enjoyable. Prepare for the