FARMER FIELD SCHOOL METHODOLOGY.

BY ESSAUS AUDI

FARMER FIELD AND LIFE SCHOOLS (FFLS)

FFLS is based on non-formal experiential learning process similar to the FFS.

It seeks to develop capacity of rural farmers to best address issues that affect community livelihood such as HIV and Aids, gender and GBV, drug and substance abuse, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation and other tropical diseases.

The curriculum design of FFLS follows the ecology based FFS concept.

However, FFLS combines both field and human environmental issues - uses AESA ad HESA tools in weekly data collection, analysis, presentation and decision making sessions.

JUNIOR FARMER FIELD AND LIFE SCHOOL (JFFLS) METHODOLOGY In the school, emphasis is laid on

growing crops or raising livestock with the least disruption to the environment.

The training methodology is based on

Learning By Doing, Discovery Based Learning, Comparison (Experimentation) Experiential Learning A Non-hierarchical interaction Learning Entirely In The Field

JUNIOR FARMER FIELD AND LIFE SCHOOL (JFFLS)

JFFLS aims to improve the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children (youth) living in a world with aids.

This is achieved through imparting agricultural and life skills to develop their decision making, problem solving, analytical and communicative capacities thereby increasing their self – esteem.

Improves livelihood prospects thus making them belong to society and bridge generational knowledge gaps.

CONCEPT / METHODOLOGY.

The orphan children: Become care givers for their sick

relatives

Household heads and bread winners

Traumatized and with low self-esteem

Vulnerable

Cont. Alternative methods such as drama, songs,

role –plays, poems and creative art are also used to explore messages about various life skills e.g. HIV, gender based violence, child abuse and rights issues, nutrition, drug and substance abuse e.t.c.

A group meets two to three times a week and session are split into learning and working days. The working days are spent in the field with the crops/livestock implementing a process in the production cycle.

PICS Pala JFFLS Drama on drug abuse and a song on

nutrition

OBJECTIVE/ GOAL.

A participatory non formal learning process aimed at:

Empowering OVC Building self esteem Developing livelihood options and long term

Food Security Developing agricultural and life skills* Instituting gender equal attitudes Improving health and nutrition Promoting sustainable use of natural

resources

JFFLS ACTIVITIES

Majiwa JFFLS members in their farm

PRINCIPLES OF JFFLSGrow/Raising a healthy crop/livestock.

Observe fields/livestock regularly

Observe natural enemies of crop/livestock pest

Farmers understand ecology and become experts in their own field.

CONT.. During the learning days, agricultural and

life skills topics are explored Assisted by the facilitator or invited

extension worker, guided by learning tools of Agro-Ecological System Analysis (AESA) and Human Ecological System Analysis (HESA).

The key concepts of AESA and HESA are derived from Farmer Comparative Experiments (FCE) that equip participants with the analytical skills to investigate the causes- effects of problems in farming practices.

PUR GIRIEKO JFFLS- BONDO KENYA

All these activities aim to widen the learner’s minds and also empower them to own the whole process.

Information dissemination to the wider community is also enhanced through these activities.

The season long training sessions, always dictated by production cycles of the enterprise being investigated, (usually 12, 20 or 40 weeks) is guided by trained facilitator who mainly does not teach but only assist the participants through a participatory process of self discovery.

 

JFFLS PROCESS (AESA/HESA)

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OBSONERVATION

ANALYSIS

PRESENTATION

DISCUSSION/DECISION

AESA/HESADefinition:

It is establishment by observation of the interaction between a crop/livestock and other biotic and non biotic factors co-existing in the field

This involves regular observations of the crop/livestock

It is a way of assembling what we are studying and placing into a process useful for decision making based on many factors.

Why AESA Promotes learning by discovery and development of

critical analysis.

It guides farmers towards making better decisions on their own farms.

CONT… Learning is done in sub-groups to ensure full participation

of all group members. Observations and investigations derived from the HESA and AESA tools are then brought to a plenary where they are discussed between the larger groups.

The group then makes an informed decision as to what action can be taken to remedy any problem threatening livelihoods and food security in the community.

……..During the season long JFFLS sessions, participants undertake certain activities to further illustrate the curriculum for example:-

Farm demonstrations. Health action days. Exchange visits Food demonstration and exhibitions

(Food Fairs) Field days J/FFLS graduations

PICS

Pala JFFLS demo farm and health action day and below anexchange visit among th youths

…

Food demonstration and exhibitions (Food Fairs)

FIELD DAYS Odhuro field days

GRADUATIONS Participants graduation and awarding of

certificates

.. All these activities are aimed to widen

the learners minds and also to empower them to the whole process hence replicate and disseminate the information to the wider community basically to become experts and self reliance