Wednesday, 14 February
9:30-12:00
Iraq Room (A235)

The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach, currently implemented in over 90 countries, enhances food security and sustainable agricultural development. Through this approach, small-scale farmers have been learning how to better manage crop, fish, livestock and tree production while facing climate change and other challenges, and to strengthen collaboration for improved livelihoods since 1989. On 14 February, FAO is launching the Global FFS Platform to better connect the worldwide network of practitioners and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise and information. The event – comprised of a seminar and marketplace – is open to all staff.

Moderator: Matthias Halwart, SP2 FFS focal point

9:30-9:40
Opening remarks: Dan Gustafson, DDG-P

9:40-9:50
Farmer Field Schools from FAO’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme perspective:
Clayton Campanhola, SP2 Leader FFS focal point

9:50-11:00
Key sessions:
• Farmer Field Schools – Over 20 years on the road to sustainable agriculture (Anne-Sophie Poisot, AGP)
• Farmer Field School impacts around the globe – Ensuring quality results (Henk van den Berg, Wageningen
University)
• The Global Farmer Field School platform (Suzanne Phillips, AGP)
• Panel discussion on Field School experiences with participation from: 
»» Bukar Tijani, ADG, RAF
»» Karl Deering, Director, Climate Resilient Agriculture, CARE
»» Norman Messer, Senior Technical Specialist, Rural Development/Institutions, IFAD
»» Deborah Duveskog, Resilience Team for Eastern Africa, FAO Kenya
»» Johannes Ketelaar, FAO Regional Office for Asia

11:00-11:25
Discussion: Questions and comments from the audience

11:25-11:30
Closing remarks: Hans Dreyer, Director, AGP

11:30-12:00
FFS marketplace: Displays and resource persons from different technical teams present work on FFS and regional FFS networks

The event will be webcast.

Organized by SP2 and AGP