30 years of Farmer Field Schools

20 June 2019. Rome. Celebration of 30 years of Farmer Field Schools: farmers empowerment and changes towards sustainable and resilient food systems will be at heart of the discussions!

The event waswebcasted here

The kick-start event on June 20 will be the first of a series of events at global, regional and country level highlighting key achievements of FFS over the past 30 years, to increase awareness on FFS and to outline future directions and priorities. During the event, the booklet ‘Farmers taking the lead, 30 years of FFS’ will also be presented.

Background:
Initiated by FAO in Asia, in 1989, the Farmer Field School (FFS) is one of the most successful approaches developed and promoted by FAO over the past three decades, empowering farmers to become better decision makers in their own farming systems. 

• FFS is an interactive and participatory learning by doing approach that offers farmers, pastoralists, fishers, foresters a platform to learn from each other, share experiences, and to field-test new options and ideas. Participants enhance their knowledge of agro-ecosystems, resulting in production systems that are more resilient and optimize the use of available resources. 
• FFS aims to improve farmers’ livelihoods, and empower farmers to take leadership as innovators and guardians of natural environments.
• In 2019, an estimated 20 million men and women farmers, livestock producers and fishers participated in a FFS in over 90 countries. The FFS evolved to include a wide range of topics, and expanded to different agroecosystems and regions, with support of a wide range of institutions and organizations.

• Mr. Bukar Tijani Assistant Director-General, Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, FAO
• Mr. Jean Phillipe Audinet Lead Technical Specialist, Producer Organizations and Rural Development, IFAD
• Ms. Liliane Ortega Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of Switzerland to the FAO, IFAD and WFP
• H.E. Dr. Nghin Chhay DG General Directorate of Agriculture, Cambodia (videolink)
• Ms. Marjon Fredrix FFS Expert, Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO - Presentation of FFS, key achievements over the past 30 years and the programme of events for FFS’ 30th anniversary
• Ms. Mariam El Akel Ministry of Agriculture, Morocco- FFS Champion trainer testimony