When planning the next FFS session, it is necessary to make sure that the required training materials will be available. Here is a list of materials that are often needed in an FFS: Paper (newsprint / flipchart for AESA drawing) Notebooks and pens (for each participant) Pencils / crayons / markers (need extra green colors) … Read more
In each FFS we always have an experiment comparing an IPM plot (managed according to the AESA) with a Farmer’s Practice plot (FP plot). But an FFS is not complete without one or more other field experiments. Carrying out experiments with farmers serves two purposes. First of all, it helps them to learn through experience. … Read more
There are many field experiments that could be carried out by farmers during an FFS. It will depend on the situation which experiments are the most appropriate. The facilitator will consider the questions asked by farmers during the first meetings and based on this select, together with the farmers, one or more field experiments. Here … Read more
Why keeping data? When observing the crop (IPM plot, FP plot, field experiments) or the insect zoo, we need to record data: to keep records of what has happened to help us making an analysis and draw conclusions How to keep data? Notebook Drawings What data? Plant growth (weekly) Height of plant Number of leaves … Read more
In each FFS session we will have one (sometimes two) “special topics”. Usually these topics are a response to what happened in the previous FFS session. For example, if during field observations we saw that a certain pest is causing a lot of problems, then the next week’s special topic could be to learn more … Read more
To test farmers at the beginning of an FFS we use a “ballot box test”. It is not really about testing the farmers’ knowledge, but rather a way of showing them the gaps in their knowledge as a way of preparing them for what they can expect to learn during the coming FFS sessions. Usually … Read more
Many questions about insects can be answered by setting small experiments in an insect zoo. Use transparent boxes with fresh leaves. Or use potted plants inside a small cage. Always make sure that the insects have fresh food. Keep the zoo in an shaded place to avoid high temperature. Take care that the environment inside … Read more
From a farmer who has participated in an FFS we expect that he has a good basic knowledge of what is going on in his field. He knows his crop, understands relationships between pests and natural enemies, and has started to increase his skills in crop and pest management. The FFS curriculum therefore deals with … Read more
In the FFS farmers learn about the plant: Plant parts Drawings of plants and plant parts Understand their function Growth stages, crop cycle Seedling Vegetative Flowering Fruit setting Ripening stage Plant growth Energy / energy flow Nutrients / nutrient cycle Photosynthesis Water
In the FFS farmers learn about seedling health: Soil preparation Plowing or no-tillage Trichoderma Fertilizer Manure Etc. Healthy seeds Variety Seed treatment Germination test Crop management Spacing / seeding rate Water management Weed management Shade Mulching Transplanting
