Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for - Aseanipm ...

Section 2 • General Topics for Farmer Field Schools
learning objectives
• To make participants aware and understand importance of proper gathering and using baseline
data for designing and evaluating local IPM programs on organic vegetable production; and
• To learn innovative approaches and do hands-on of gathering and using baseline data for
designing local IPM programs on organic vegetable production.
materials
• Barangay spot or soil map indicating farm sites of prospective farmer field school (FFS)
farmer-participants;
• Farmer-validated baseline survey form for organic vegetable growing (see Form A) 18 ; and
• Office supplies (e.g., Manila papers, notebooks, ball pens, and marking pens).
methodology
• Field walks, farmers’ interviews, and brainstorming.
steps
1. Review farm sites of prospective FFS farmer-participants from a barangay spot or soil map
earlier developed by TOT, and VST participants, or by IPM training team members;
2. Divide participants in small groups and each group secure 25-30 copies of farmer-validated
baseline survey forms for organic vegetable growing;
3. Using a barangay spot or soil map, go to prospective FFS farmer-participants, explain objective
of survey, interview as many farmers as possible, and fill up baseline survey forms (e.g.,
personal information, farm profile, farm management, and production data);
4. Return to processing area and brainstorm in small groups on initial data gathered and methods
used in data gathering. Present observations and experiences of small groups in a big group
on following:
5 Who and how many additional farmers to interview;
5 Items to exclude, include, or clarify in succeeding surveys;
18 Binamira, J.S. 1998. A Consultant’s Report: Refresher Course for Trainers of IPM in Crucifers and Other Highland Vegetable Crops. Cordillera Highland
Agricultural Resources Management Project, Department of Agriculture, CAR Regional Field Unit, Baguio City, Philippines. pp56-59.
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