Field School Research Articles

Development of self-sufficiency village for seed provision of superior variety in Majalengka Regency

Farmer group-based seed production can support the provision of quality seed in areas according to consumer preferences. The purpose of the study was to determine the role of the Seed Self-sufficiency Village (SSV) in providing and accelerating the adoption of new high-yielding varieties of rice. This study used primary data from the assistance of the SSV Field School Model, which was carried out in the Gangsa I Farmers Group, Jatitengah Village, Jatitujuh Subdistrict, Majalengka Regency, West Java. Data on seed production by farmer group-based seed production obtained during 2016-2019 included data on the development of the number of breeders, production areas, production capacity, number of seed marketing partners and consumer preferences for new varieties produced. The data and information obtained were describe descriptively, while the data on consumer preferences for varieties were analyzed using the Friedman test. The results showed that the development of SSV in Majalengka in 2016-2019 showed a remarkable achievement based on the development of seed production businesses, consumer preferences, seed marketing partnership, and seed distribution parameters. The SSV supported provision of quality seeds of new superior varieties in areas according to consumer preferences. It can support accelerating the adoption of high-yielding varieties of rice.

Folklife in the Driftless: Designing a Field School in Norwegian America

Folklife in the Driftless: Designing a Field School in Norwegian America

Effectiveness of Village-Based Organization (VBO) in improving the livelihood of the rural community in Bangladesh

The study's overarching objective was to evaluate the pros and cons of the newly adopted Village-Based Organization that was funded by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Empirical data was collected following personal interviews and focus group discussions. The study revealed that VBO contributed to diversifying enterprises by promoting high-value crops, small-scale livestock, and other value-added activities. The respondents expressed their complimentary views about their uplifted living standards. The women’s active participation and consequent empowerment increased by restoring their rights on resources and decision making. Farmers Field School motivated the community to introduce new technologies and practices for maintaining their livelihoods better. Despite some limitations, the VBO helped reduce local disputes and criminal activities like dowry, the high-interest rate of credit, child marriage, and drug abuse. The study advocates replicating this concept in the whole country as a part of the corona pandemic stimulus package. It can curb Monga (seasonal famine), tackle incremental anthropogenic-climatic stressors, reduces the consumption of natural resources, achieves Sustainable Development Goals, and finally, uphold the aspiration of a "whole society approach" and "no one is left behind." Policy interventions are warranted to rectify the identified challenges and integrate the basic principles of sustainability, termed a holistic approach.

Effectiveness of Village-Based Organization (VBO) in Improving the Livelihood of the Rural Community in Bangladesh

The study's overarching objective was to evaluate the pros and cons of the newly adopted Village-Based Organization that was funded by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Empirical data was collected following personal interviews and focus group discussions. The study revealed that VBO contributed to diversifying enterprises by promoting high-value crops, small-scale livestock, and other value-added activities. The respondents expressed their complimentary views about their uplifted living standards. The women’s active participation and consequent empowerment increased by restoring their rights on resources and decision making. Farmers Field School motivated the community to introduce new technologies and practices for maintaining their livelihoods better. Despite some limitations, the VBO helped reduce local disputes and criminal activities like dowry, the high-interest rate of credit, child marriage, and drug abuse. The study advocates replicating this concept in the country as a part of the corona pandemic stimulus package. It can curb Monga (seasonal famine), tackle incremental anthropogenic-climatic stressors, reduces the consumption of natural resources, achieves Sustainable Development Goals, and finally, uphold the aspiration of a whole society approach and no one is left behind. Policy interventions are warranted to rectify the identified challenges and integrate the basic principles of sustainability, termed a holistic approach.

Drivers, Barriers and Success Factors in Climate Change Adaptation for Smallholder Farmers: A Case Study in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam

This paper aims to identify appropriate approaches and interventions of local governments and extension services through identifying the most potential adaptive measures in agricultural production of local farmers in Thai Nguyen province (Vietnam) and analyses of key drivers, barriers and success factors for climate change adaptation (CCA).The study was conducted during October 2019 – April 2020 in Thai Nguyen and two selected communes with 92 smallholder farmers and relevant stakeholders from the provincial to commune levels using both quantitative and qualitative methods.Results showed a highly vulnerable situation of the local farmers under the context of climate change with 60.9% and 44.6% of the interviewed farmers stating reduced crop/livestock productivity and crop losses, and reduced arable production land and number of crop seasons/year respectively.Ten most potential livelihood models and production practices were identified. For example, animal husbandry (pigs, cattle) combined with biogas digester installation; intercropping between fruit crops and annual crops; use of drought and disease resistant maize varieties; changes of crop patterns and calendars; water saving production techniques, etc. Driver, barriers and success factors for CCA suggestguiding actions for the local government and extension services to plan adequate approaches and interventions for embracing and upscalingthe CCA initiatives towards climate resilient farming communities.The guiding actions include:strengthening capacity of extension staff; providing update market information to farmers for their decisions of crops and livestock; disseminating new and locally appropriate CCA models and practices together with on-field demo-plots and farmer field schools; and building capacity for community organisations, production groups/cooperatives to promote community learning for wider adoption and thus sustainability of their farming systems in response to the changing environment.

Farmers’ Adoption of Upland PalayCheck System under Upland Rice Development Program (URDP) Implementation In Northern Philippines

The Community-based Upland PalayCheck System under the Upland Rice Development Program was used as a platform of implementation. It has eight (8) KeyChecks as farmers’ best practices and technologies in upland rice production. The study described the socio-demographic profile, institutional factors, biophysical factors, and economic factors of the farmer respondents. Moreover, it described the perceived effectiveness of Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Upland PalayCheck System, upland community seed banking, and community-based upland palayamanan. Also, the relevance, comparability, traceability, and ease of the practice of the technologies and practices under the Upland PalayCheck System were determined. Also, respondents’ rice production practices and the percentage of adoption under the Upland PalayCheck System were assessed. Furthermore, factors that influence the level of adoption of the Upland PalayChck System were determined. Barangay Kilig and Caragasan were selected as the locale of the study because these were the pilot site of the project in the municipality. The study was conducted through a survey questionnaire and focus group discussions. Respondents were active participants of FFS on the Upland PalayCheck System. Qualitative data were analyzed through SPSS, however, thematic analysis was done to analyzed the reasons of respondents. The result shows that there were more female farmers in the area. Thus, the introduction of technologies should be more gender sensitive. Moreover, the majority of them were elementary level and have limited access to training except for the said FFS. These farmers were mostly owners of their land and the majority manage more than 2 ha. Thus, they need more capital in their farm operation. Also, they get their capital from cooperatives and microfinance which may bring them deep indebtedness if they do not get a good yield. Also, farming was their major source of income in the area. Therefore, they should have given other ventures in agriculture for a living. Furthermore, they get technical advice mostly from technical experts radio and leaflets. However, extension contact was only at least once a month due to the large proportion of extension workers over a number of farmers. Furthermore, the majority of the upland areas of the farmers were low soil fertility. Also, the majority of their field received low precipitation resulting in drought. Nevertheless, upland rice farming can be considered as a good alternative crop in the uplands because of its promising higher average selling price at 25.48% of premium varieties. However, seldom of them were selling their products because it is more for their food consumption. The latest average yield (2.40 t/ha) of farmer respondents was greater than the previous average yield in the municipality (>1.0/ha). Farmers Field School (FFS) on the Upland Community-based Palayaman System was used as a platform to disseminate the objectives of the URDP. The level of effectiveness of farmers on Upland FFS, CSB, and Upland Palayamanan was also assessed. The result shows that the conduct of Upland FFS and overall impressions to URDP were agreed to be very effective. Respondents stated that they gained more knowledge of upland rice farming and increase their yield. Moreover, they have learned to address their problems in upland rice production.

Farmer field schools for improving economic sustainability performance of Indonesian vegetable production

PurposeA research and development project disseminated ecological technologies to approximately 3,250 vegetable farmers through farmer field schools (FFS) in four districts of Bali and East Java provinces of Indonesia. This article aims to assess the economic sustainability of vegetable production after FFS participation.Design/methodology/approachA survey randomly sampled 500 farmers, comprised of FFS participants (50%) and non-FFS participants (50%). Based on 1,000 farm operations, this analysis employed input-saving technology as the fundamental model examined using the double-difference method. Simultaneous reduction of agrochemicals and improvement of productivity represent indicators of economic sustainability.FindingsResults indicate that pesticide use decreased without jeopardising farm productivity; moreover, vegetable production increased. These findings indicate that the ecological technologies transferred through FFS significantly improved economic sustainability performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study purposively selected farmers who grew tomato and chilli. Thus, the outcomes are not generalisable to other crops.Practical implicationsFFS continues to be an effective method for transferring agricultural technologies to farmer communities. Policymakers are recommended to use FFS for disseminating beneficial and sustainable technologies to broader agricultural communities.Social implicationsThe adoption of ecological technologies provides positive economic and ecological milieus.Originality/valueThis study employs a double-differences approach to verify input-saving technological progress. Therefore, the performance of economic sustainability attributable to the project intervention is theoretically justified.

A relação teoria e prática no programa residência pedagógica da Universidade Federal do Piauí

Esta pesquisa discute o design do Programa Residência Pedagógica (PRP) desenvolvido na Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), evidenciando os fundamentos que caracterizam essa experiência, metodologias e estratégias são utilizadas para a aproximação entre universidade e escolas e qual a concepção de formação docente embasa as ações do referido programa. Realizou-se pesquisa descritiva de abordagem qualitativa utilizando a observação simples e análise documental da legislação que regulamenta/orienta o programa para produção dos dados. Os resultados apontam que a aproximação da IES e as escolas campo acontece principalmente por meio da formação continuada dos professores da educação básica e atuação dos residentes nas diversas atividades desenvolvidas em âmbito escolar. A concepção pedagógica que fundamenta as ações do PRP, a priori, é a perspectiva prática com enfoque reflexivo emancipatório.

A Qualitative Exploration of Effective Creative/Convergence Type of Class in Middle and High School Physical Education Classes

The purpose of this research was to examine the courses and experiences of middle and high school physical education teachers based on their field experience, suggestions, and school educational environment and to explore in-depth to reflect learner-centered creative/ convergence type of education in physical education classes. To achieve the purpose of the research, four physical education teachers were selected as research participants, and after conducting in-depth interviews, inductive category analysis procedures among qualitative research methods were used to derive the meaning analysis and results of the data. For learner-centered creative/convergence type of classes, first, individual competencies of field teachers will have to be developed first. Second, there will have to be a solution to the problem of conflict of interest between teachers and teachers. Third, there should be case education, organizing, systematizing, and refined models for creative/convergence type of education. Fourth, there should be a realistic and direct approach and support, not an expression as an abstract language. The goals of the physical education subject matter include important parts that represent the direction that physical education should pursue and the learning reach that learners should achieve. Therefore, if education content is presented to solve problems more specifically and creatively, more suitable results will be produced for fostering creative/convergence type of talent.

Leading issues in implementation of farmer field schools: a global survey

ABSTRACT Purpose The Farmer Field School (FFS) has been used to enable farmers to adapt their farming decisions according to the field situation. This paper explores the methodological state, challenges and lessons learned, of the FFS around the World. Design/methodology/approach We used a 52-item questionnaire to capture issues of design, implementation and evaluation of the FFS. Completed questionnaires were received from 57 ongoing or recent FFS programmes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings FFS programmes have diversified, including multiple crops and livestock. Farmer involvement in the design and planning of interventions was found to be critical. FFS programmes increasingly relied on farmers as FFS facilitators. Short training duration for FFS facilitators raised concern about FFS quality. Even though mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation were mostly in place, capacity for data analysis and data utilization were a concern. Practical implications Results highlight strengths and shortcomings in design, implementation and evaluation of the FFS. The information acquired can be used to support the quality of ongoing and future programmes. Theoretical implications This research contributed to understanding that the educational foundations of the FFS should be reflected in programme design and evaluation. Originality/value Many studies of the FFS exist, but this is the first global overview on how farmer field school programmes are carried out, with various lessons learned.

Os desafios de um estágio curricular em forma de projeto

O estágio curricular é um dos momentos mais aguardados pelos futuros professores nos cursos de Licenciatura. O estágio como pesquisa, com a elaboração de projetos coletivos, é visto como eixo articulador na melhoria da formação docente. O presente trabalho descreve a experiência vivenciada ao longo das disciplinas de Estágio Curricular Obrigatório I e II na Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás. A partir de uma pesquisa realizada na escola campo foi elaborado um Projeto de Intervenção Pedagógica com aporte teórico metodológico na concepção freireana de educação. Durante a diagnose da escola foi possível identificar a problemática existente entre o corpo escolar e os macacos-pregos que habitam o local, devido, principalmente, aos constantes furtos praticados pelos pequenos primatas. Como consequência disso, os macacos são vistos como um incômodo, não restando espaço para que os estudantes compreendam os variados aspectos deste animal, bem como as motivações que os levam a cometer os furtos e habitar um ambiente antropizado. Estruturado em oficinas de cunho teórico-prático, o projeto buscou sensibilizar a comunidade escolar para uma relação mais harmoniosa com os macacos-pregos. As oficinas englobaram aspectos biológicos, ecológicos e etológicos dos macacos e sua relação com o ser humano. Foram incluídas metodologias diversificadas que apontaram o quanto a proximidade com o tema de estudo pode contribuir para desenvolver o interesse dos alunos, e ao mesmo tempo abordar os conteúdos do currículo escolar. Ocorreram vários imprevistos ao longo da intervenção que exigiram uma postura mais dinâmica dos estagiários em refazer o planejamento. As relações com a escola campo, a escrita coletiva de um projeto de intervenção, os estudos biológicos, e a apropriação das ideias de Freire para a prática de sala de aula trouxeram importantes reflexões para a trajetória formativa dos estagiários.

The Role of Agricultural Extension in Cocoa Production and Livelihood of Farmers in Meme Division, Cameroon

Agriculture is important not only for its supply of food but also for its provision of raw materials. Cocoa is a lucrative cash crop grown in kumba, Meme Division of Cameroon. Given the importance of the crop to farm communities and the economy of Cameroon, agricultural extension has key roles to enhance production through information dissemination and adoption of innovations. This survey thus assess the role of agricultural extension in cocoa production and the livelihood of farmers in Meme Division. Through simple random sampling technique, 137 farmers were selected from the population of 210 registered cocoa farmers in the study area. A questionnaire made up of open and close ended questions was the instrument for primary data collection. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS and results revealed that 90% of the farmers were married men and 60% were of the age 35-49 years. Also, 74% of the respondents had been into cocoa farming for more than 10 years, signifying that their livelihood depend on it. A low level of education is observed with 55% of them attaining only primary education. Moreover, 64% are small farm holders with 68% acknowledging use of family labor for production activities. Results further show that agricultural extension plays an essential role in cocoa production as 92% affirmed that extension provided information, knowledge and technical skills for capacity building and empowerment using Farmers Field School (FFS) and Farmers Business School (FBS) approaches. To 96%, extension initiates diffusion and adoption of innovations and organizes credits and market linkages (87%). Another 89%, were confirmative that extension liaise projects under the Program for the Improvement of Competitiveness of Family Agro-Pastoral Farms (with French acronym ACEFA) to accompany the farmers. Conclusively, extension service delivery empowers and ensures livelihood of farmers.

Second Report on the Publication and Conservation of the Tomb of Ramesses III in the Valley of the Kings (KV 11)

The Ramesses III (KV 11) Publication and Conservation Project is currently developing a site management, conservation and publication strategy for the severely damaged tomb of pharaoh Ramesses III in order to prevent further deterioration and to preserve this cultural heritage site for future generations. Along with first urgent measures of conservation, a geo-archaeological survey of KV 11 and its surroundings, as well as a geomatic and photogrammetric survey of the tomb itself, were carried out. The detailed recording of the current state of the architecture and wall decoration allowed for further reconstruction of scenes and texts. Moreover, an archaeological sondage in the burial chamber revealed additional information about the ooding and sedimentation processes. A field school with students of Luxor University offered training in digital recording methods and epigraphy, geo-archaeological survey and mapping methodologies, and conservation treatment and assessment. The following article outlines preliminary results in the fields of geology, conservation, recording, reconstruction, and excavation. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.5913/jarce.56.2020.a014

A Brief Account of Two Decades of Farmer Field School Implementation in Nepal

Absract available with the full text.

Potencialidades da aula de campo no estudo de Geografia na região da Foz do Rio Jucu no bairro Barra do Jucu/Vila Velha/ES

O presente artigo se propôs a apresentar uma prática de ensino da Geografia no âmbito do Programa Residência Pedagógica em Geografia, da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), com estudantes do 6º ano de uma escola-campo, localizada no município de Vila Velha/ES. A atividade descrita neste artigo fundamenta-se na reflexão da práxis preconizada por Freire (2001) e tem como objetivo relacionar os limites e possibilidades da aula de campo e suas contribuições para o desenvolvimento crítico e dialógico do ensino da Geografia com o ambiente no qual os estudantes estão inseridos. Baseia-se na dificuldade de compreensão e entendimento de forma integrada do ensino teórico da Geografia com o dia a dia dos(as) estudantes. A metodologia adotada apoia-se na Pesquisa com o cotidiano de Ferraço (2007) e Alves (2001). O percurso metodológico ocorreu em três etapas: o pré-campo, o campo e o pós-campo, que resultou na produção de histórias em quadrinhos sobre a temática estudada. Constatou-se a importância da aula de campo para a compreensão fora da escola, o que é estudado dentro dela e que a adoção deste tipo de metodologia potencializa o ensino da Geografia e motiva os estudantes a uma postura crítico-reflexiva, ao dinamizar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem.

The future of agroecology in Canada: Embracing the politics of food sovereignty

Agroecology and food sovereignty have gained a significant foothold in the Global South; however, in the Global North, there are significant challenges hindering the adoption of these concepts. Drawing on participants' insights following an Agroecology Field School and Research Summit held in Ontario, Canada in 2018, this paper presents the context for agroecology's potential expansion in this country. We argue that three key dimensions must be addressed in order for the concept to be advanced: 1) Engagement in food system governance; 2) Building networks of solidarity between academics, activists, and food producers/harvesters; and 3) Realization of Indigenous food sovereignty.

Optimising Nutrient Cycles to Improve Food Security in Smallholder Farming Families—A Case Study from Banana-Coffee-Based Farming in the Kagera Region, NW Tanzania

In East Africa, soil nutrient depletion and low yields jeopardise the food security of smallholder farming families and exacerbate poverty. The main reasons for the depletion of soil nutrients are overuse due to population growth, limited land, and increasing uncertainty in agricultural production caused by climate change. This study aims to analyse and optimise nutrient flows and stocks in the homegardens of smallholder banana-coffee-based farming systems in the Kagera region in NW Tanzania. The plant nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in plant-based biomass and organic farm waste are under investigation. We used data from a farm household survey (150 households) and from focus group discussions with 22 trainers who had been training about 750 farm households in sustainable land management (SLM) at a local farmer field school. In total, we identified six farm household types and calculated a nutrient balance (NB) for the homegardens of each household type. The NB was calculated for the following five management scenarios: S0: business as usual; S1: the use of 80% of the available human urine; S2: the incorporation of 0.5 t yr−1 of the herbaceous legume species Crotalaria grahamiana into the soil; S3: the production of 5 m3 yr−1 CaSa-compost (human excreta and biochar) and its application on 600 m2 land; and S4: a combination of S1, S2, and S3. The results show that the NB varies considerably depending on whether farmers have implemented the SLM training, apply nutrient-preserving manure collection and storage methods, and purchase fodder (imported nutrients), or whether they do not collect manure or do not purchase fodder. Trained farm households are more likely to have a positive NB than untrained households because they have already improved the nutrient management of their farms through the successful implementation of SLM practices. Untrained households would improve the NB in their homegardens under all management scenarios. However, the NB depends on labour-intensive manure collection and compost production, labour shortages, prolonged dry seasons, and socio-economic imbalances. As long as these constraints remain, nutrient deficiencies will not be overcome with mineral fertilisers alone, because soils have to be further enriched with organic matter first. In this paper, we also emphasise the importance of the system boundary, because only a complete NB can give an estimate of actual nutrient removal and the resulting nutrient demand (including removals by fodder and trees). Further improvements in the SLM training may be achieved by (i) measuring the current nutrient status of soils, (ii) analysing the need for the coexistence of free-range livestock on the grassland and zero-grazing in trained households, and (iii) conducting an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic differences between successful and unsuccessful households. In conclusion, if smallholder farmers were to integrate further improved SLM training and optimised nutrient management (S1 to S4), we assume that the NB would turn positive. Last but not least, the SLM training by the farmer field school may serve as a best-practice example for training and policy recommendations made by government institutions.

Adoption Levels of Certain Tomato Cultivation Practices by Farmer Field Schools in Sudan

Adoption Levels of Certain Tomato Cultivation Practices by Farmer Field Schools in Sudan

PROSES KOMUNIKASI DALAM PENYULUHAN PERTANIAN PROGRAM SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI)


 
 
 Communication and development are two things that are very closely related. Agricultural extension activities are one of the facilitating factors for agricultural development. Agricultural extension activities are a communication process where field agricultural extension agents become information sources and farmers as recipients of information. The research objective is to identify the communication process in delivering information about agricultural extension. The study was conducted using qualitative methods. Research location in Rowotengah Village, Sumberbaru District, Jember Regency, East Java. Determination of informants was determined by purposive sampling. Data collection methods used are observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman model, namely data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. Test the validity of the data using source triangulation. The results showed that communicators in agricultural counseling were field agricultural extension workers, farmers and pesticide formulator officers. The message conveyed in agricultural extension is the SRI planting system method which includes field schools, organic fertilization, and the manufacture of MOL. The communication channels used are interpersonal channels including face to face, cellphone, and group meetings. The targets of agricultural counseling are group leaders and members of farmer groups. The effect of communication received from the delivery of information on agricultural extension includes cognitive effects, affective effects and conative effects.
 Keywords : agricultural extension, SRI Program, communication process
 
 

Developing a model of employment creation in border region: Gaharu cultivation and honey bee farming in Bengkayang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Bariyah N. 2020. Developing a model of employment creation in border region: Gaharu cultivation and honey bee farming in Bengkayang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 5237-5247. The border regions possess political, cultural, and socio-economic complexity. One of major problems in the border regions is the lack of employment opportunity following ups and downs in the economy, suggesting a need for a more sustainable employment opportunity by harnessing local conditions and practices. The main objective of the research was to construct an economic development model in the border region by integrating available natural resources, local initiatives, and external support to provide employment opportunities. We conducted the research in Jagoi Village, Bengkayang District, West Kalimantan, Indonesia which has border with Sarawak, Malaysia. We collected primary data through in-depth interviews, structured interviews, observation, and focus group discussion combined with secondary data. This information was then used to construct the model. Our research found that the population of Jagoi Village consisted of farmers (50%), menial laborers (30%), traders (17%), civil servants (2%), and ojek taxi drivers (1%). In the past, they also received additional income from collecting wild bee honey and gaharu (agarwood) resin. However, large tracks of forest area were cut by commercial loggers or converted into oil palm plantations. Fortunately, Jagoi Village has adat forest which preserved the forest from the expansion of oil palm plantation and is a source of non-wood products to use by the community could use. The research revealed that collecting wild bee honey and gaharu was no longer viable. Started from these conditions, we proposed a model of employment creation by cultivating gaharu and farming honey bee. As such, there is paradigm change from ‘collecting’ or ‘gathering’ into ‘cultivation’ and farming. To be successful, the model integrates six elements, consisting of awareness building, local initiatives, success stories as an example, external support or empowerment, field school, and independent execution. Using this approach the target community will be able to create new employment opportunities which eventually increases their income and prosperity.