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Farmer Field Schools for Soil Productivity Improvement, Conservation Agriculture and Nutrient Monitoring in Eastern Uganda

A group of governmental, non-governmental, research and academic organisations recently developed a partnership programme to adapt, validate and test the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach for improved land mangement. The programme will operate in eastern Uganda in Busia, Mbale, Pallisa and Tororo districts where soil productivity levels are low and continue declining. The experiential learning approach of FFS will enable farmers to be better equipped to understand the problems of soil productivity.

Three programmes/projects make up the consortium:

Piloting Farmer Field Schools for Soil Productivity Improvement (FFS-SPI)
This programme aims to strengthen and equip farming communities, farmers and service providers (extensionists, facilitators and NGOs) with better rain-fed land (including soil, water, crop and livestock) management skills, and decision-making capacity to overcome soil productivity limitations, and to enhance sustainable and economically viable land management practices. The programme was launched early 2002 through a Letter of Agreement between FAO and Africa 2000 Network in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Piloting Conservation Agriculture for Improved Land Management and Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers
The main purpose of this pilot project is to introduce the principles and adapt techniques for Conservation Agriculture (CA) in Pallisa and Mbale districts as an integral part of improved land management and livelihood strategies of smallholder farmers. The project will also monitor impact in selected micro-catchments, test/develop appropriate tools and equipment and identify required support services.

Integrated nutrient management to attain sustainable productivity increases in East African farming systems (INMASP)
This research and development project will combine quantitative and qualitative research approaches within the framework of Farmer Field Schools, specifically in the area of Integrated Nutrient Management. More information on INMASP project.

These programmes/projects were initially designed separately but in view of many commonalties in the intended approach, the partnership programme was established. The idea is to develop the approach and FFS curriculum across Ugandan and not to restrict the work to the initial programme districts.

The main activity areas of the three Ugandan projects include:

• Awareness raising and demonstrations/field days of suitable technologies with stakeholders;
• Training of trainers: subject matter specialists, farmers groups and extension staff;
• Participatory technology development with farmers' groups;
• Monitoring and validation of technologies with farmers and other stakeholders;
• Assessment of technical options and their socio-economic implications; and,
• Development of a larger scale follow up programme.

Project Areas of Intervention
Busia, Mbale, Palissa and Tororo Districts, Eastern Uganda

More information contact: Fred Kabuye (A2N, Kampala, Uganda).

Reports and Publications

Uganda SPI-FFS programme partnership flyer

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