MAINSTREAMING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
MAIN FEATURE OF FFS:
Learning is based on the adage:
If I hear I might forget
If I see I might remember
But if I discover I own for life
STEPS IN INITIATING AND RUNNING FFS
Defining/characterising the farming system
Problem identification and prioritisation for the major
enterprises.
Curriculum development
Training of trainers (tot)
Formation of farmer field schools
Study development
Site and host farmer selection
Implementation of FFS programme
Monitoring and evaluation
LEARNING USING THE FFS EXTENSION APPROACH
A group of 25-30 farmers affected and interested in solving a
production constraint form a FFS.
Together with extension, farmers design field experiments to
compare options with their practice
Farmers select a host farmer and a site
Farmers meet at agreed periods determined by need: - crop
age and growth stages.
(8-12 meetings per season)
In sub groups farmers analyse the relationship between a crop
and its environment.
A Training Manual on Use of Climate Information and Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment for
Agricultural Extension Staff in Zimbabwe
Page 39