Empowering Afghan Farmers through Farmer Field Schools (FFS)
Sayed Osman, a farmer from Aqcha district in Jawzjan province, was no stronger to struggle. Year after year, he faced the harsh reality of low wheat yields, using traditional farming methods passed down through generations. With little knowledge of modern techniques, he often found himself in financial distress, forced to sell his livestock to buy certified seeds and fertilizer. The burden of this cycle weighed heavily on his family, particularly as a father of five who struggled to meet their basic needs.
"Every year, our income wasn't enough for our family's needs," Sayed Osman explains. The traditional farming methods he relied on, coupled with low-quality local seeds, led to poor harvests and added to his difficulties. The heavy use of seed wheat, labor intensive processes, and frequent crop diseases left Sayed’s family with little to sustain them.
In January 2024, everything changed for Sayed Osman when he joined the Farmer Field School (FFS), introduced by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and ActionAid. FFS brings together 20-25 farmers in a group, providing hands- on training in modern cultivation methods, pest control and the use of high-quality seeds. He learned new practices that significantly increased his wheat yields.
"I always thought our low yields were due to nature's unkindness," Sayed reflects. "But after the FFS training, I realized it was due to our lack of knowledge. Now, I am more independent and confident. The new methods I learned in FFS, made my wheat yield double, and I no longer worry about meeting my family's needs."
FFS is facilitated by ActionAid with the technical assistance by FAO experts, became a beacon of hope for farmers like Sayed. The bi-weekly training sessions are not only educational but also a social hub where farmers could share their experiences, stories and laughter. “It’s really interesting and fun,” Sayed says. “We sit together, joke, share family stories, and talk about our lands and water. I would like to continue participating in this class with my villagers if the project support continues.”
The impact of the FFS programme was evident in Sayed’s harvest. Before joining FFS, he barely managed to harvest 385 kg of wheat from one jerib (0.2 hectares) of land. After applying the new cultivation techniques, his yield is 580 kg from the same plot, which shows a 50 percent increase in production. This improvement meant more than just an increase in produce; it meant that Sayed no longer had to borrow money, sell livestock, or worry about providing for his family’s needs.
Sayed Osman's yield has not been entirely satisfactory either. His village faces a serious issue with water scarcity. Additionally, Sayed Osman mentioned the lack of proper farming equipment, he highlighted the need for seed drill machine and land leveling tools. He also pointed out that this year's late rains caused wheat to fall before ripening and harvesting, which is why his yield was not as good as expected.
Sayed learned a range of skills through FFS, including the cultivation of seed wheat in new, efficient ways, pest and disease control and the proper use of fertilizers. He also learned linear cultivation, which optimizes plant spacing and increases yields. The knowledge gained through FFS has not only boosted Sayed’s productivity but has also strengthened his confident in farming.
“Before, I had no hope of getting good results from my wheat cultivation and relied on nature’s mercy. Now, I know how to get good results with minimal resources,’ Sayed says.
The success of the FFS programme extends beyond Sayed Osman. In Jawzjan province alone, 500 farmers across 20 FFS groups have benefited from the training and support provided. The programme is part of a broader initiative, supported by USAID, aims at enhancing food security, nutrition, and resilience among vulnerable smallholder families in Afghanistan. by July 2026, the project aims to establish 2 000 FFS, reaching 60 000 farmers across eight provinces
For Sayed Osman and many others, the FFS programme has not only improved their livelihoods but has also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among farmers. “Before FFS, we rarely met to exchange ideas, but now we meet regularly and share our experiences,” Sayed added. This shift in social dynamics is testament to the programme’s impact on both the personal and communal levels.
As the FFS programme continues to grow, it remains a crucial component in Afghanistan sustainable agriculture and food security. The success story from Aqcha district underscore the transformative power of extension education and collaboration in farming activities, offering a glimpse into a more secure and prosperous future for Afghan farmers.