This month, the UN Goal of the month is Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

By supporting education in schools and  within farming communities, enhancing access to training for youth and providing free education for all on sustainable food and agriculture, FAO recognizes and reinforces the critical connection between education, food security and sustainable agriculture and works to empower communities worldwide.

Farmer Field Schools

FAO’s Farmer Field Schools (FFS) foster deep ecological learning and hands-on experimentation, , empowering farmers to better understand ecosystems and make informed, sustainable decisions . This participatory  approach encourages farmers to work together to identify local challenges and develop solutions, thereby enhancing their problem-solving skills and confidence  Through hands-on experimentation and discussions, FFS participants learn from each other’s experiences and expertise, creating a sense of ownership and building social cohesion within communities.

FAO has implemented FFS in over 90 countries, covering topics such as soil, crop and water management, integrated pest management, livestock, aquaculture, agroforestry, nutrition and market access. Through the Global Farmer Field Schools Platform, FAO strengthens collaboration and innovation with various organizations implementing FFS, ensuring high-quality interventions and amplifying the impact of these initiatives.

Looking ahead, FAO remains committed to the vision for the future of farmer field schools: ensuring equal opportunities for women and men, regenerating agroecosystems, and nurturing local economies and markets to build more resilient and inclusive food systems.

The full article can be read on the FAO SDG website.

Learn more:  Farmers taking the lead. Thirty years of farmer field schools

Wish to better understand what are farmer field schools and how they work? Take our free e-learning course on the introduction to the farmer field school approach  

Picture copyright: © FAO/Peter Safari