daniel chigunwe
Elita Chikwati
Features Editor
Farmer Field School (FFS) training is effective in the delivery of high quality agricultural education and extension services to improve productivity and sustainable farming practices in the country.
The FFS is an extension methodology that relies on adult, group-based learning participatory methods and practical training.
The principle empowers farmers to become active learners, fostering their understanding of agricultural principles and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The FFS concept is participatory in nature and trainings are farmer centred.
The approach is also demand and problem solving driven and has empowered farmers especially women as they are given an opportunity to participate and contribute towards solving agricultural productivity problems.
Officiating at the graduation ceremony of 22 FFS master trainers (Agritex officers and CTDT staff) based in Tsholotsho, Chiredzi, Rushinga and Mudzi who were trained by the Community Technology Development Trust, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said Government had committed to use the FFS methodology as one of the key extension methodologies to be used in the country.
The trainers worked over the years to master the art of facilitating the over 400 Farmer Field Schools established by CTDT.
Prof Jiri said by establishing 35 000 field schools, one a village, the Ministry wanted to promote the use of FFS to improve the country’s agricultural extension services and also revolutionise the production of traditional crops.
Prof Jiri said the training had empowered the extension officers and this was going to improve service delivery to farmers.
“The 22 master trainers were key in providing FFS skills and competencies which inspired farmers resulting in improved agricultural practices, climate resilience, increased productivity and enhanced livelihoods among targeted communities. These master trainers were key in managing participatory variety evaluation trials from the Crop Breeding Institute which resulted in the release of one groundnut, one rice, two cowpeas, two sorghum and two pearl millet varieties between 2019 and 2022.
“These master trainers are now equipped with practical training methodologies and participatory adult learning techniques that allows them to facilitate active engagement and knowledge sharing, employment of innovative tools and exercises which enhances the learning experience and ensure farmer facilitators grasp agricultural concepts and skills effectively,” he said.
These trainers now possess storing leadership facilitation and mentorship skills, patience and empathy which allow them to work closely with farmers,” he said.
CTDT director, Mr Andrew Mushita said the master trainer is responsible for ensuring that quality within each FFS is maintained.
“The programme ensures facilitators have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively work with the FFS, work with local and traditional authorities and other Government departments such as the Crop Breeding Institute, Gene Bank of Zimbabwe, International Research organisations such as ICRISAT and CIMMYT and civil society partners in the districts.
The Master Trainers’ responsibilities include programme planning, conducting regular trainings for facilitators and supervision and networking and collaborating with other stakeholders,” he said.
Some of the participants said they had gathered knowledge and skills and the programme had positively impacted on farmers.
Some of the master trainers were invited to help set up FFS in Uganda while others have developed into business people breeding traditional crop varieties.
Mudzi AEO Ms Mary Makaza said farmers who participated at the FFS were now able to breed own crop varieties that are ideal for their agro ecological zones.
“The farmers can evaluate the performance of different varieties and choose the best for production. Farmers learnt through practicals and it is easier for them to practise at home and even teach their fellows on good farming practices that increase yields,” she said.
Mrs Blessing Katsande of ward 8 Mudzi said through FFS farmers helped farmers understand the benefits of working as a group.
“The groups consisted of members of different age groups and this promoted skills and knowledge transfers through different generations. Now farmers can produce seed for most traditional crops including cowpeas, black jack and rapoko,” she said.
Online Reporter