As small-scale farmers around the world face mounting pressures from labor shortages, climate change, and limited access to technology, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. That’s why the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is launching on 30 July 2025 an inspiring new global webinar series exploring how integrating Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (SAM) with Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can empower small-scale producers. This series, the first of its kind under the Global Innovation Accelerator on SAM through FFS, will focus on practical, innovative and scalable solutions from the field to drive productivity, reduce drudgery and build resilience.

This pioneering initiative, jointly organized by FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) and the Global FFS Platform of the Office of Innovation (OIN), brings together a rich tapestry of global voices—ranging from policymakers and practitioners to researchers, development partners, and farmers themselves.

At its heart lies a compelling truth: while FFS has long empowered millions of farmers to make informed decisions, the potential of integrating sustainable mechanization into this approach remains largely untapped. With small-scale producers facing mounting challenges—labour shortages, limited access to appropriate technologies, and the harsh realities of climate change—SAM presents a vital role to improve small-scale farmers livelihoods.

Explore with us how can SAM in FFS can empower thousands of small-scale farmers!

Launching on 30 July 2025, the first webinar in the series will lay the foundation by presenting the vision and progress of the Global Innovation Accelerator on SAM and FFS. Participants will explore actionable tools, innovative business models for SAM service provision, strategies for curriculum development, and success stories from countries already leading the way—namely Bangladesh, Rwanda, and the Philippines.

Running through December 2025, the full series will provide a dynamic platform for peer-to-peer learning and cross-country collaboration. Each session will delve into the technical, social, and economic dimensions of integrating SAM into the FFS approach—highlighting farmer-led innovation, amplifying voices from the field, and showcasing the ingenuity of local adaptation in real-world settings.

“By integrating sustainable mechanization in farmer field schools, we’re not only introducing new tools—we’re developing the capacities of smallholders to co-design and create technological solutions that truly meet their needs and realities.” “said Anne-Sophie Poisot, Team Leader with FAO’s Office of Innovation.

Why should you join?

• Stay tuned on the goals and progress of the Global Innovation Accelerator on SAM and FFS. 
• Receive concrete guidance to mainstream SAM into FFS initiatives. 
• Learn about how are countries implementing SAM through FFS and how it is improving the lives of small-scale farmers. 
• Get the opportunity to meet FFS and SAM practitioners and exchange across regions, disciplines, and stakeholders. 

Join the Movement

Everyone is welcome to participate in this open-access webinar series. Whether you're a development partner, farmer trainer, policymaker, or curious learner, this is a chance to help shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and mechanized future for smallholders.

🔗 Register now for the first session (30 July 2025, 12:00–13:30 CEST): Click here to register

Together, through innovation and solidarity, we can help turn small-scale challenges into big opportunities.

Programme 

Launch Event: Wednesday 30 July 2025 | 12:00 – 13:30 CEST 

The event will be moderated by Anne-Sophie Poisot, Team Leader, Office of Innovation, and Mayling Flores Rojas, Agricultural Engineer, Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO.