Eastern Africa Network
Milestones in the Evolution of Farmer Field Schools in Eastern Africa
Since the introduction of FFS in Eastern in the mid-1990s the region has emerged as one of the world's most vibrant places for the evolution and expansion of the approach towards embracing new thematics and hard to reach target groups. Building on a strong foundation of participatory learning, countries across the region have continuously adapted FFS to address emerging priorities in sustainable agriculture, livestock production, climate resilience, natural resource management, nutrition, One Health, youth employment and livelihoods in fragile and displacement-affected settings. A growing collection of publications, documented good practices and multimedia resources captures this journey and demonstrates how Eastern Africa continues to shape the global evolution of FFS.
Truely farmer-led curriculum development
An IFAD-funded intervention in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, made major headways for market-oriented FFS as well as modalities for operating FFS on self-funded basis. Along this process the emergence of FFS networks of groups or alumnae started becoming a regular feature of FFS interventions. A UNDP project in Kenya integrated FFS with proactive scouting and documentation of farmer innovations, thus reinforcing the a local innovation systems as basis for farmer learning. A study tour of East Africa trainers to Cambodia, brought in the concept of Human-ecosystem analysis which transpired into a series of projects embracing human health, reproductive health and gender based violence in the learning curriculum.
At the same period Junior Farmer Field And Life Schools emerged to bring FFS learning to children and youth, linking with local schools and social workers. An Adaptation Fund funded interventions expanded the use of Climate Information Services in FFS through the Agricultural Climate Resilience Enhancement Initiative (ACREI) project in Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia, an interventions that reinforced FFS as holistic climate action including links to Community-Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) and locally led-adaptation investment. More recently, innovative work on integrating Behavioural Science (BeSci) into FFS has explored new ways of strengthening farmer decision-making by better understanding what drives behavioural change at local levels.
Strengthening regional collaboration and institutional capacity
Institutionally, FFS has been integrated in government public service delivery in a number of countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, though with a turbulent expansion or reduction of efforts based on prevailing policies and priorities of relevant government entities. Most remarkable has been Rwanda who has nationwide integrated FFS in the countries homegrown, farmer-led agricultural extension system “Twigire Muhinzi”.
A defining feature of Eastern Africa's progress has been its strong emphasis on regional collaboration, knowledge exchange and institutionalization. Between 2017 and 2024, the Eastern Africa Field School Support Hub, hosted by the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), served as a regional platform for technical support, networking and innovation, helping to strengthen national programmes and promote quality implementation across countries.
Recognizing that long-term sustainability depends on strong national capacity, Eastern Africa has invested heavily in institutionalizing FFS within education and professional development systems. A landmark regional initiative has integrated FFS methodologies into the curricula of universities and institutions of higher learning in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia, helping to prepare future extension professionals with practical competencies in participatory facilitation and experiential learning.
Case study: FFS opening new market opportunities through myciculture in Burundi
In Burundi, Farmer Field Schools are helping smallholder farmers move beyond subsistence farming and toward more stable and market‑oriented livelihoods. One of the most promising areas of transformation has been the introduction of myciculture. Through FFS, farmers began learning how to prepare substrates, grow mushrooms in small spaces and harvest them safely.
Adoption spread quickly. Nearly forty percent of FFS graduates now grow mushrooms, showing how accessible and practical the activity has become even for households with very limited land. For many families, mushrooms have provided an entry point into local markets. FFS participants report major improvements in their ability to sell their products, with more than eight in ten saying their commercialization has improved. Mushrooms play a key role in this shift, with over one‑fifth of FFS households now earning part of their income from myciculture.
This new activity has also had an impact on nutrition. Families involved in FFS report much better dietary diversity than before. Mushrooms are rich in protein and easy to integrate into daily meals, helping households reduce dependence on more expensive foods. Improved diets have been especially important for children and women.
Women and youth are central to the success of myciculture. More than half of FFS participants are women, and one‑quarter are young people. Both groups have taken active roles in production, record‑keeping, cooperative leadership and market negotiations. Almost all women involved in FFS now feel confident speaking up in community meetings, a shift that strengthens both their position and the functioning of producer groups. Their leadership has helped organize collective sales, secure fairer prices and connect with new buyers.
The combined effect of new skills, stronger organization and better market access has translated into improved livelihoods. A large majority of FFS participants say their household economic situation has improved compared to two years ago. Income from mushrooms, even in small amounts, has helped families pay school fees, invest in livestock, purchase land or build small savings.
Through myciculture, FFS in Burundi are not only strengthening local markets but also improving household food security and elevating the roles of women and youth.
Learn more about the project : FFS and Nutrition in Burundi (in French)
A regional centre of excellence with global influence
Together, these initiatives reflect the continued evolution of Farmer Field Schools in Eastern Africa—from a successful extension methodology to a comprehensive platform for community-led innovation, institutional learning and agrifood systems transformation. The region's experience in regional networking, institutionalization, evidence generation, Behavioural Science and context-specific innovation continue to inform the Global Farmer Field School Platform and provides valuable lessons for countries seeking to strengthen resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems through participatory learning.
The Catalogue of Field School Applications in Eastern Africa document the remarkable diversification of FFS across sectors and countries, illustrating how the approach has evolved far beyond its original focus on crop production to address a broad range of agricultural, environmental and social challenges.
Contact
For more information on FFS regional activities in East Africa reach out to
Deborah Duveskog
Agricultural Officer, FAO Kenya
Related links
Resources
- The Role of Farmer Field Schools Approach in Improving Tea Production among Smallholding in Kenya
- Review of Agricultural Extension Interventions in Unlocking Agriculture Potential through Medium Sized Farms, Kenya
- Farmer Field Schools in Rural Kenya: A Transformative Learning Experience
- Less noise in the household: the impact of Farmer Field Schools on Gender Relations
Publications
Eastern Africa
Facilitators’ Guide for Running a Farmer Field School: An adaptation for a post emergency recovery programme
2010
This Facilitators Guide was developed through a consultative process, which obtained input from many stakeholders involved in the designing and implementation...
Categories: Training material