FAO.org

The paper is organized as follows. Section 2 briefly describes the farmer field school extension approach, while Section 3 discusses the potential of formal and informal farmer-led diffusion mechanisms to enhance the fiscal sustainability of this approach. Sections 4 and 5 present evidence on the fiscal sustainability issue from the [...]

Farmer field schools (FFS) and local agricultural research committees (CIALs) are participatory platforms for improving decision-making capacity and stimulating local innovation for sustainable agriculture. CIALs are a permanent agricultural research service staffed by a team of four or more volunteer farmers elected by the community. The committees create a link [...]

An overview analysis of recent experience in the promotion and facilitation of local institutions for sustainable IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in Indonesia. The article will attempt to examine the issue from several key perspectives while relating to concrete experience in the field.

The limitations of conventional methods of training and information provision on natural enemies are discussed. Farmer and popular understanding and perceptions about natural enemies are described. Lessons drawn and limitations encountered in traditional research and extension ‘top-down’ educational activities are examined and some of the more promising approaches are described. [...]