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

Section 2 • General Topics for Farmer Field Schools
5 Agro-ecosystem analysis reporting format for first and second options showing general
observations and recommendations
4. Present output of small groups to big group and conduct participatory discussions to finalize
field layout and reporting format for agro-ecosystem analysis of different organic vegetable
growing practices in high and low elevation FFS learning fields. A sample field layout and agroecosystem
analysis (AESA) format for FFSs on different organic vegetable growing practices
is shown below 31 :
5 Crops to be addressed. The FFS activities will cater to needs of farmers planting
organically-grown vegetables in high and low elevations, as follows:
• High Elevation. In high elevation, problems on organically-grown crucifers (e.g.,
cabbage, Chinese cabbage [wongbok], broccoli, cauliflower, and pechay) and other
organically-grown vegetables belonging to solanaceous (e.g., pepper and tomato),
parsley (e.g., carrots) and legume (e.g., snap bean and garden pea) families will be
addressed in FFS. Farmer-participants will select their first two major organicallygrown
vegetable crops for FFS field studies.
• Low Elevation. In low elevation, problems on organically-grown crucifers (e.g.,
cabbage and pechay) and other organically-grown vegetables belonging to solanaceous
(e.g., eggplant, pepper, and tomato), parsley (e.g., parsley and carrots), legume (e.g.,
cowpea and string bean), and cucurbit (e.g., ampalaya, squash and bottle gourd)
families will be addressed in FFS. Similarly, farmer-participants will select their first
two major organically-grown vegetable crops for FFS field studies.
5 Area, field layout and group assignments. A minimum of 1,000-sqm area from a portion of
a farmer-participant’s farm, representing average field condition of FFS community, should
be selected. The area may be increased depending upon availability and willingness of
farmer-participants. The farmer-participants, through an appropriate participatory process
or sharing of experiences, should select two major organically-grown vegetable crops. The
area will be divided into five plots and crops will be assigned in plots as follows:
First Option
5 The first major crop (Crop A) is usually assigned to three plots (Plots I, II, and III) while the
second major crop (Crop B) is usually assigned to remaining plots (Plots IV and V). This
arrangement may be changed depending upon needs or priorities of farmer-participants.
31 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. pp50-55.
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