Farmer field schools transforming agriculture

Precious Manomano

 Herald Reporter

The Farmer Field School (FFS) training programme is transforming agricultural education and extension by enhancing productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices.

With over 500 Farmer Field Schools established, more than 2 536 376 farmers have already benefited from this innovative approach.

The FFS concept is inherently participatory and farmer-centred, focusing on demand-driven solutions to the challenges faced in agriculture.

This methodology has particularly empowered women, allowing them to play active roles in addressing agricultural productivity issues.

Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, underscored the Government’s commitment to utilising the FFS methodology as a cornerstone of its agricultural extension strategy.

 He said by establishing 35 000 field schools, one in each village, the ministry aims to enhance agricultural extension services and revolutionise the production of traditional crops.

The training provided to extension officers has significantly improved service delivery to farmers.

 Master trainers are essential in equipping farmers with practical skills, which leads to enhanced agricultural practices, increased climate resilience, and improved livelihoods.

 “These master trainers are now equipped with practical training methodologies and participatory adult learning techniques,” Professor Jiri explained, allowing for active engagement and knowledge sharing among farmers.

In collaboration with the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Service and other partners, farmer field schools are also being established at the ward level. These schools teach rural farmers skills in organic fertiliser manufacturing and sustainable farming practices in response to climate change.

This initiative promotes smart agricultural practices and aims to boost food security and nutrition at the household level, particularly targeting vulnerable households, where many active participants are women.

A farmer field school operates as a collaborative learning process, enabling participants to conduct experimental activities that deepen their understanding of their farming ecology.

Through simple experiments and group analysis, farmers learn to make informed decisions about their agricultural practices, moving away from the generalized recommendations imposed by outsiders.

 Each school typically comprises 10 to 30 members, all focused on conservative, sustainable, and cost-effective organic farming techniques that revitalise the soil.

The impact of this training is evident in personal success stories from the participants.

Mrs Chambika Nyamunganga, from Nyezi village, shared her experience.

“Before enrolling at the school, I had spent years cultivating a small piece of land producing less yield. Now, I am able to cultivate a larger area, and in the last farming season, I recorded a good harvest.” She expressed pride in her accomplishments, noting that she was able to sell some of her produce and improve her homestead, leading to a more decent meal for her family.

Another participant, Ms Lunia Siziba, highlighted the newfound independence granted by the programme. “We thank the Government for introducing the school. We no longer rely on our husbands for money, as we are able to generate our own income,” she said, emphasising the empowerment gained through FFS training.