The Farmer Field School Methodology

1. The Farmer Field SchoolMethodology T.J. Ryan June 6, 2008

2. Presentation Introduction Group exercise (groups of 5) Farmer field school methodology Preparation methodology Format Conclusions Lessons learned Some results Way forward

3. FFS – A methodology for technology transfer Farmer driven and scalable to large nbrs Combines latest tech with extensive farmer knowledge Highly adaptable Ideal for large numbers of smallholder farmers Can be used for staple and cash crops alike

4. Small group exercise Directions: Objective: every person at the table should end up with a square of the same size. Each group of five must sit in a circle and must remain completely quiet. You may not ask anyone else in your circle for a piece of his square. You may not by yourself take a piece of a square from any other member of your circle. You may not make a gesture (signal to another person with your hands or body or eyes) that you want a piece of a square from him or her. You may not discard a piece of your square by just placing it in the middle of the table. You must give it to someone. You are permitted to give pieces from your envelope to anyone else in your circle if you wish, but you may NOT help them assemble their square. Each group member has pieces which form part of a square. You must make your pieces into a square right in front of you. Policemen are to disqualify anyone who speaks or asks for a piece of a square, and policemen may not help anyone make their square.

5. Follow-up questions How many thought they had the wrong pieces or that their pieces were not cut properly? How many became impatient? How many talked? How many gestured? With whose square must everyone be concerned? His or her own? Was there a time limit on solving the problem? Was this a contest to see who would finish first? Does it matter if some people take longer than others to figure out how to solve a problem? What is lost? What is gained? Does a participant learn if another person solves a problem for him or her? What are some problems with giving orders or instructions to adult learners? What are some quiet ways to assist the learning of others? Is it always necessary to tell someone the answer? Is hearing the answer the same as discovering the answer yourself?

6. SUCCESS Alliance – Ecuador OBJECTIVES Train 21,000 Smallholder producers using Farmer Field School methodology Rehabilitate / renew cocoa orchards – producing 1,000,000 plants Strengthen at least 10 smallholder associations and promote organization of new associations

7. Challenges Addressed - Ecuador 400 years of exporting cocoa Diseases: Witch’s Broom, Frosty Pod Old trees – low productivity, tall trees due to lack of pruning Little cocoa orchard management – “Harvester” mentality Low Density (300-500 trees/ha.) Lack of rural extension Deforestation – corn, rice, sugar cane on the rise Entrepreneurial vision lacking in some cases Economic pressure results in producers selling cocoa prematurely, without adequate post harvest treatment Result: Low yields and low returns

8. Preparation for FFS Develop FFS curriculum state of the art with broad input (farmers, researchers, cocoa industry) Field test the curriculum - adapt to local setting use adult education techniques (highly participatory, group work, practical exercises)

9. Preparation Select FFS facilitators for TOT Characteristics – 14 do’s and don’ts (work together, set example, don’t lecture, ask questions, mutual inquiry, admit don’t know) Good facilitator: dynamic, motivator, creative, prefers listening, punctual, time mgr, positive… TOT should be 3 weeks, 1st week - only communication skills 2 weeks practicing the methodology and presenting the units.

10.  FFS Curriculum Includes: Agro-eco system analysis (map) Pruning techniques (rehab, maintenance, phyto-sanitary) Grafting methods (side grafting, budwood) Plantation renewal (decision tools) Post harvest treatment Disease identification and life cycles Market overview

11. Communication is critical The receiver is who decides whether the information is clear Ask or find out why someone continues to do what they shouldn’t Successful communication with farmers is proportional to that which is put in practice

12. Methodology Organize meetings w/ farmer leaders to identify participants Groups of 25 are selected – 1 farmer volunteers farm for the FFS (>.5 ha) FFS conduct practical exercises in groups of 5 to promote participation 13 topics in 12 sessions – meet every two weeks – a 6 month period in total

13. Farmer field school

14. Format Group decides what day and where to meet The meeting takes place no matter what the weather is… Facilitators must be on time and prepared! Everyone wears a name tag

16. Format 1st session introduces the methodology Typically farmers truly meet their neighbors for the first time All sessions begin with intro of theme by facilitator – 20 to 30 minutes Followed by 2-3 hours of practical exercises Not a traditional school – explore everything!

17. 3 principles of cocoa FFS Grow a healthy crop – plant nutrition, water, and disease control Observe the crop weekly – survey at least 10 trees Farmers become experts – rather than depend on the extension agent

18. Real time results Important for farmers to see results during FFS Comparison of disease control for cocoa provides this Learn basic statistics and research See results within the 6 month FFS Select intervention, control plots – 64 trees Cheap calculator, basic methodology

19. Comparative disease study

20. Results over 6 sessions

21. Some lessons learned Target more isolated communities during the dry season When farmers are treated well, they respond by applying what they learned Must adapt the order of the curriculum to the weather cycle You must do what you tell farmers you’re going to do – never overpromise Choose the facilitators from the communities they’ll work in Any tool given to the farmer must be within their budget

22. Conclusion Farmers are learning by doing Large scale and relatively inexpensive ($57/farmer) Builds social capital Credibility facilitates intro of related activities – marketing, association dev’t.

23. ACDI/VOCA and FFS 5 cocoa programs worldwide in Asia, Africa and Latin America 90,000+ farmer graduates of FFS in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Ecuador and Liberia* 60% adoption rates vs. traditional 20% Increase in farmer income, lower costs

24. What follows? Build on farmer initiatives, access to other projects or private sector activities Promote sustainable models of TA (farmers, associations, input suppliers, buyers) Improved market linkages (direct buying contracts, certification options)

25. Thank you! Any questions?