inventory of farmer study group initiatives in africa - Share4Dev.info

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Inventory of Farmer Study Group Initiatives in Africa – A Synthesis Report Arnoud R. Braun • Learning and knowledge creation takes place through participatory learning methods i.e. experiential learning, problem-based learning, training for transformation, etc. • Farmers set the agenda for the learning activities, and follow a curriculum or learning schedule/plan. • The entry point for learning is within the scope of rural development usually focusing on an agricultural enterprise/value chain, but even non-agricultural topics may be addressed by the group. • The expected outcome of such groups should be both agricultural enhancements as well as empowerment and group management skills. • If external resource persons are involved (such as extension staff or researchers) they should only have a facilitating role, i.e not be seen as leaders of the activity. 2
Inventory of Farmer Study Group Initiatives in Africa – A Synthesis Report Arnoud R. Braun 2. METHODOLGY A team of three persons 3 carried out this FSG inventory. For practical reasons and for the purpose of this study Africa was divided in two regions, (1) Eastern and Southern Africa, and (2) Central and West Africa, the former being mainly Anglophone, the latter mainly Francophone. Information search and collection for this inventory was done through a literature search, an Internet search and by contacting persons and projects by e-mail and/or telephone. Specific contacts that were known to be working with FSG were sent the general background of the inventory, the FSG definition, general data requirements for the inventory and an FSG inventory form 4 (Appendix I) and were asked to (1) fill in the FSG inventory form, and (2) to provide a general overview of each FSG initiative. Sub-regional reports for Eastern and Southern Africa (Masendeke, 2006) and Central and West Africa (Gordijn, 2006) were produced, containing all the detailed inventory information for various projects per methodology, as collected through the inventory forms. The author acknowledges that this study may not cover all FSGs in Africa, since the inventory has not been exhaustive and has largely focussed on study circles and Farmer Field Schools. Any additional FSG methodologies, which are not covered by this inventory, but should be included, can be communicated to the author. Collected information and data was scrutinised to ascertain that the group methods complied with the FSG definition. Further consultations clarified grey areas such as the topical scope of learning, FSG principles and method of learning. Information and data was synthesized, grouping similar FSGs using mainly principles and the learning methodology or scope. Further analysis was done to identify key issues, challenges and opportunities for each of the groups. The various identified study group initiatives have been analysed to identify common or differing elements among the programmes, including aspects such as learning tools/methods applied, required facilitation, cost elements, impact of interventions, mainstreaming in government, market focus, inclusion of HIV/AIDS and other livelihood aspects in the learning. An evaluation was also done to what extent and in what way farmer study groups fit into the discussion in African countries on demand-driven extension services and privatisation. Based on the gathered information a synthesis of some key issues, challenges and opportunities has been made. This synthesis could be used as basis for further discussions and experience sharing among the various actors involved in farmer study group programmes, and that could serve as conference themes for an upcoming study group conference. 3 Team composition: Arnoud Braun (coordinator), Davison Masendeke (Eastern and Southern Africa) and Femke Gordijn (Central and West Africa). 4 The FSG inventory form includes a description of the program/institution, geographical scope, -the principles of the group study models, topical scope of the learning, materials published, brief cost estimate, general experiences and lessons learnt, and contact persons. 3
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