Farmer field schools: key practices for DRR implementers

Natural hazards have become more frequent and intense in the last few decades, increasing the often significant negative impacts on the gross domestic product of countries in southern Africa and undermining development efforts. Forecasts are negative as a result of climate change, which is increasingly linked to more frequent and severe weather patterns that are expected to have a dramatic impact on these countries‘ economies and environments. Farmer field schools (FFS) represent a significant step forward in agricultural education and extension by increasing the resilience of small-scale farmers. Traditional top-down technology transfer systems have a role in some aspects of agriculture development, but the human capacity building required for the creation of independent commercial farmers and farmer organizations needs new approaches. Farmer field schools provide specific technical skills. They also provide organizational skills and practice, analytical skills and practice, and basic group assets, such as the trust and confidence required for joint activities. This booklet provides an overview of the FFS approach and considerations for FFS implementation, and relates FFS experiences in Africa and the southern Africa region.