In 2004, CPAR Tanzania introduced the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach in Karatu District. A FFS is a ‘school without walls’ that builds on farmers’ existing knowledge and experience, and encourages them to come together to experiment, analyze, discover and adapt farming methods to suit their own unique ecosystem. The farmers themselves lead the process, initially with a trained FFS facilitator, and meet on a regular basis over the course of one full cropping season, on topics ranging from planting to harvest, after which they ‘graduate’ and continue on as facilitators for other farmers.

“FFS is just like going to another level of education”.
- Maria, 30, FFS member

This was the first such initiative in Karatu District and it was the first time that women farmers were targeted for agricultural education. This was also the first time that women and men farmers in the District would collaborate as a group. The FFS approach represents a departure from previous educational initiatives. The facilitator is respectful, the farmers are treated like the experts they are in their fields and knowledge and information is discovered, analyzed and shared among peers.

“Farmers have something to contribute and we have a lot of ideas. It’s not just the extension officers who know it all”
- Zakayo, 34, FFS member

Solutions to problems of food insecurity need to address the rights and needs of the food producers themselves. In keeping with its commitment to strengthen the position of women and promote gender equality, CPAR-Tanzania added gender, human rights and Sexual and Reproductive Health (HIV&AIDS, FGM, family planning, etc.) education to the ‘special topics’ component of the flexible FFS curriculum.

The ensuing years have seen farmers triple their production of maize, the staple crop, and double their production of pigeon peas – a common cash crop.

Improved household food security has laid the groundwork for a subsequent transformation in personal empowerment and gender/power relations. With the knowledge, skills and self-confidence acquired as members of farmer field schools, women are now training and advising their husbands on production techniques and gaining new respect both in the household and in the community.

FFS women and men talk about less conflict and more discussion and understanding in their households. FFS farmers say that next to an increased supply of food, their increased self-confidence, respect and improved relationships are the most important changes in their lives.

“My wife and I have equal rights over the control of our resources. We work together, we make decisions together, we decide together what to sell and when to sell it. I can participate in any household activities without bias. I can cook, wash clothes, chop firewood and fetch water…”
- Pascal, 36, FFS member

Women now have full access to the means of production, i.e. inputs and implements. Men are no longer solely selling livestock, crops and other assets without discussion and consent from the women. The women now have veto power and travel to monthly markets independently to sell livestock. Dairy goats, traditionally the property of men, now belong to women. Women now have their own cash from management of income-generating activities, and household cash expenditures, formerly controlled by men, are discussed and agreed upon.

“I am liberated as a result of FFS…I’ve seen the light... my brain doesn’t just have old traditional principles – my wife is happy with me.” (34-year-old Zakayo, FFS member & facilitator)

About 75 per cent of the FFS members are women, and women hold 60 per cent of the FFS leadership positions. Women’s attendance at community meetings has increased, and they have become more vocal, aware and confident that they have good ideas and valuable opinions to contribute.

Juhudi and Tumaini Farmer Field School Groups