Farmer field schools solution to hunger—FAO

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) deputy secretary general Berth Bechol says the farmer field school method of agricultural extension services can empower farmers for a more equitable and sustainable world.

Making her closing remarks at the Global Future of Farmer Field School Workshop in Blantyre, she said through the farmer field school model, economic challenges at family, community and country levels can be overcome.

“All eyes of the world are on addressing hunger and malnutrition and farmers are at the centre of providing the solutions,” Bechol said.

Speaking in an interview after officially closing the three-day workshop preceded by a two-day regional launch programme of the One Country One Priority Product (Ocop) project, she said events of the week “set in motion important initiatives that are going to bring stronger support and partnerships”.

“The initiatives will incorporate technology and innovation for farmers, not only in Malawi but for all around the world,” Bechol said.

She touted the farmer field school agricultural extension method as an opportunity that brings catalyt ic suppor t to farmers around the world with smaller amounts of funding.

In a separate interview, Ministry Agriculture director of extension services Pearson Soko said it was pleasing to note that delegates appreciated Malawi ’ s inclusion of the farmer field school in its policies.

“Malawi has done a lot in terms of institutionalising the farmer field school methodology through commitment and ownership in the implementation,” he said.

The farmer field school model of agricultural extension services trains lead farmers who in turn train others. It incorporates local knowledge and experiences in finding solutions to agricultural challenges. Malawi started implementing the farmer field schools model in 2004.

There were 25 countries represented at the meeting which had 110 delegates.