12-14 November 2024 | Rome, Italy 

The world of small-scale agriculture is undergoing a transformation as stakeholders increasingly look toward innovative solutions to improve productivity and sustainability. The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) and the Office of Innovation (OIN) at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are supporting the transition to sustainable agrifood system through the Global Innovation Challenge on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (SAM) and Farmer Field Schools (FFS). As part of this initiative, a three-day Bootcamp is currently underway in Rome, from 12-14 November 2024, bringing together representatives from FAO country offices, government bodies, and non-state actors. 

The Global Innovation Challenge on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization and Farmer Field Schools for Small-Scale Producers, launched in June 2024, encouraged FAO country offices worldwide to propose innovative strategies that integrate SAM principles with the FFS model—a grassroots approach to farmer education and empowerment. After a competitive selection process and forty applications received, eight country teams were chosen to participatein this intensive Bootcamp, reflecting a diversity of experiences and innovative ideas from different regions.The selected country offices are FAO Kenya, Uganda, Bangladesh,Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Philippines, Rwanda and Nepal. 

Participants joining the Bootcamp in Rome will enhance their skills in designing effective, and sustainable localized mechanization projects within FFS, with at least two country offices receiving full financial support (between 200,000 – 300,000 USD each) to implement their innovative interventions, while others will benefit from advisory and technical guidance.  

FAO is embracing innovative approaches to collaborative learning. This includes developing cross-sector innovation platforms and introducing tools like Innovation Challenges and Bootcamps at FAO to break silos and inspire practical solutions.  

The Bootcamp’s interactive format includes technical presentations on SAM and FFS, mentoring sessions, team breakouts, and a pitching session, providing a unique platform for idea-sharing and collaboration.  

This event is a significant step toward empowering small-scale producers with sustainable agricultural practices and contributing to FAO’s commitment to driving transformative change in small-scale agriculture. As the Bootcamp progresses, it is set to be a fertile ground for ideas that will shape the future of sustainable farming practices, ultimately contributing to enhanced food security and rural livelihoods globally.