This practice describes the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach in the context of agroecology and the use of the 10 Elements of Agroecology as a holistic tool to think about sustainable food and agricultural systems at multiple scales. The practice also explains how FFS and agroecology interventions can support sustainable agriculture and food system transitions, including some examples.

The FFS approach, developed by FAO and partners 30 years ago and implemented in more than 90 countries, has served as a "proof of concept" of how transformative and participatory learning can help farmers, governments, donors and stakeholders achieve multiple development objectives informed by needs perceptions from the ground.

FFS aims to improve farmers' livelihoods and strengthen their role as guardians of natural environments as well as stakeholders in policy decision-making. Agroecology is the intrinsic cornerstone of the FFS approach that has led to its successful uptake by more than 20 million1 small farmers.