Successful participatory research by farmers through innovative Farmers Field Schools in Rwanda. Jean-Pierre BUSOGORO, BTC.

Transcription

1 Brussels Development Briefing n.34 Farmer-driven research to improve food and nutrition security 14 th November Successful participatory research by farmers through innovative Farmers Field Schools in Rwanda. Jean-Pierre BUSOGORO, BTC.

2 Successful participatory research by farmers through innovative Farmers Field Schools in Rwanda Dr Jean-Pierre BUSOGORO et al., November 2013

3 Farmer Field Schools Approach (FFS) Participatory extension approach Non formal adult education methods Discovery-based learning techniques Experiential learning methods Final decision based on recorded facts Involvement of farmers at all steps Farmers coming to learn together Concept of learning by doing: conducting experiences In the farmers areas/conditions

4 Key components & conditions for FFS success Key components of FFS Group of farmers Study field/plot Facilitator Learning curriculum Program leader Conditions / non negotiable points Season long AESA Group dynamics Special topics

5 Season long Learning/discovering (plantingharvest)

6 Top-down Research FFS: Integration of research-extension system FFS:Participatory & integrated Extension Research FFS Extension Farmers Farmers With FFS Good understanding of the production system

7 Application of FFS in Rwanda ICM packages: entry point for FFS Candidate facilitators: selected among the farmers communities Implementation: commodity specific 12 commodities already covered (banana, cassava, potato, maize etc ) ToT organized during on season long model around venue facilities FFS organized on season long model in selected farmers plot Technologies/innovations tested by farmers before any adoption

8 Participatory selection of future facilitators

9 Participatory identification of problems

10 Training curriculum & implementation To address the real challenges faced by farmers Adapted to local conditions» Allowing farmers to compare innovations to local practices Developed considering» Needs expressed by farmers» Scientific reality of the challenges & solutions Farmers participating in evaluation of technologies/innovations Facilitators: proximity/community service providers Farmers: actors of the implementation

11 Active participation of farmers in practical learning

12 Participatory research and successful results

13 Farmers testing appropriate and sustainable practices to protect their crops

14 Constant participation of farmers in the discovery process

15 Trapped weevils

16 Simple and accessible technologies in ICM packages: farmers needs considered

17 AESA data collection by farmers

18 AESA data analysis and decision making

19 Productivity increase following the ICM adoption through FFS

20 Recovery and conservation of genetic diversity

21 New protocols developed with participation of farmers

22 Higher capacity for diversification of farms products

23 More income and livelihood improvement

24 Involvement of various actors: collaboration Rwandan government» Ministry of Agriculture & RAB Belgian Cooperation» BTC Farmers communities: active beneficiaries» Actors for implementation: facilitators and farmers

25 Geographical coverage

26 FFS &Participatory research: results Availability of proximity extension service provision Farmers empowered to improve their production system Appropriate agronomic practices Decreased use of pesticides Participatory selection of varieties Recovery of farmers preferred varieties Significant increase of productivity Active on-farm conservation

27 Various products with improved production system

28 Food security assured by different parameters Increased quantity of food: higher productivity» Good agronomic practices generating more production» Quality of the products: less use of pesticides Diversification of products» Cereals, tubers, fruits, vegetables More income for farmers families» More farmers selling surplus» The income can be invested for different goals including to buy food

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