Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and Participatory Learning Techniques Training Course

Course Overview
Farmer Field Schools (FFS) represent a revolutionary approach to agricultural extension that shifts the paradigm from top-down instruction to experiential, farmer-led learning. Rooted in the principles of adult education, FFS empowers farmers to become researchers, decision-makers, and innovators in their own right. Through structured group learning and field-based experimentation, farmers gain critical knowledge and skills tailored to their specific agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts.
This course provides a deep dive into the methodology, facilitation, and implementation of FFS and participatory learning techniques. Participants will explore the full FFS cycle—from curriculum design and field experimentation to group dynamics and participatory monitoring. The course emphasizes the importance of empowering marginalized groups, including women and youth, and integrating FFS into broader agricultural development strategies and innovation systems.
Designed to be highly practical and interactive, the course blends theoretical insights with hands-on experience. Participants will engage in mock FFS sessions, develop training curricula, practice agro-ecosystem analysis (AESA), and explore tools that promote inclusive, farmer-led innovation. The training equips practitioners with the competencies needed to strengthen community-based learning, build farmer capacity, and scale up participatory extension programs effectively.
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Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
•Understand the principles, structure, and evolution of the FFS approach.
•Facilitate participatory, experiential learning processes in rural communities.
•Design and implement effective, inclusive FFS curricula for diverse farming systems.
•Conduct Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) as a core FFS methodology.
•Promote farmer empowerment, group learning, and decision-making.
•Monitor and evaluate FFS outcomes using participatory tools and indicators.
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Target Audience
This course is suitable for:
•Agricultural extension officers and rural advisors
•FFS facilitators, master trainers, and ToTs
•Program and project managers in agriculture and rural development
•NGO and development partner staff
•Community development officers and farmer group leaders
•Researchers and educators supporting farmer training initiatives
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Training Methodology
•Simulated Farmer Field School sessions and AESA exercises
•Participatory curriculum development workshops
•Group activities, role plays, and peer-to-peer learning
•Field-based experiential learning simulations
•Case studies and real-world implementation scenarios
•Institutional action planning for FFS mainstreaming
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Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
•Gain practical facilitation skills for running successful FFS sessions
•Enhance their ability to empower farmers through participatory learning
•Understand how to tailor FFS to different crops, livestock, and climate challenges
•Integrate FFS into existing extension and development programs
•Develop action plans to institutionalize and scale up FFS within their organizations