Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
THE Farmer Field School training programme has transformed the lives of over 1,5 million farmers by enhancing agricultural education and promoting sustainable farming practices.
With upwards of 500 Farmer Field Schools established, this innovative approach has benefited 2 536 376 individuals, empowering them to tackle various challenges in agriculture.
The Farmer Field School concept is inherently participatory and farmer-centred, focusing on demand-driven solutions that address local agricultural issues.
This methodology has particularly empowered women, allowing them to take active roles in enhancing agricultural productivity.
According to the Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas), 1 458 340 adults and 52 896 youths have undergone training nationwide.
Provincial statistics illustrate the programme’s impact, with 47 415 adults trained in Manicaland, 85 968 adults and 2 290 youths in Mashonaland Central, 62 852 adults and 20 847 youths in Mashonaland East, 329 104 adults in Mashonaland West, 103 235 adults and 1 081 youths in Masvingo, 47 956 adults and 2 230 youths in Matabeleland North, 52 640 adults in Matabeleland South, 729 170 adults and 26 448 youths in Midlands.
Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said the Government is committed to the Farmer Field School methodology and seeks to use it as a cornerstone of its agricultural extension strategy.
The goal is to establish 35 000 field schools – one in each village – to enhance agricultural extension services and transform traditional crop production.
Training provided to extension officers has significantly improved service delivery to farmers.
Master trainers play a crucial role in equipping farmers with practical skills, leading 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,” explained Professor Jiri.
In collaboration with the Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Service, Farmer Field Schools are also being established at the ward level.
These schools teach rural farmers essential skills in organic fertiliser manufacturing and sustainable practices to combat climate change, promoting smarter agricultural methods.
Ultimately, this initiative aims to boost food security and nutrition at the household level, particularly for vulnerable households, many of whom are led by women.
The effectiveness of this training is evident in personal success stories shared by participants.
Mrs Chambika Nyamunganga from Nyezi village in Makonde, spoke about how the initiative has positively transformed her life.
“Before enrolling at the school, I spent years cultivating a small piece of land with little yield. Now, I can cultivate a larger area, and last season, I recorded a good harvest,” she said.
She takes pride in her accomplishments, noting that she can sell some of her produce to improve her homestead, leading to better meals for her family.
Another participant, Ms Lunia Siziba, highlighted the newfound independence gained through the programme.
“We thank the Government for introducing the school,” she said.
“We no longer rely on our husbands for money, as we can generate our own income.”
Through the Farmer Field Schools, farmers are not just learning how to grow crops; they are becoming empowered agents of change in their communities, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency.
