Ifugao and Mt. Province — The Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center Cordillera (ATI-RTC-CAR) assesses the ongoing Farmers' Field Schools (FFS) on Corn Production in fifteen (15) sites in Ifugao and Mountain Province from July 16-19 and 22-26, 2024.
The FFS is a participatory education technique where small-scale farmers come together to discuss sustainable agriculture as a solution to production issues. While extension services focus on providing farmers with information, the FFS approach provides opportunities for experiential learning in groups, strengthening critical thinking and observational abilities, and facilitating improved decision-making skills within local communities. (FAO, 2021)
ATI-RTC-CAR Corn Focal Person Ms. Vicky May L. Guinayen led the monitoring activity for the season-long FFS.
The field monitoring assessed the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Corn Production graduates in implementing the FFS in their respective areas, as well as the participants and their established demo areas. These demo areas, managed and tilled by the farmer participants, serve as their learning field throughout the activity. Some are already in the reproductive stage while others are still in the vegetative stage. The ToT graduates (both AEWs and Farmer Leaders) serve as lecturers and facilitators of the FFS.
Key activities in an FFS session include the Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA), reporting of observations, and discussion of special topics.
During the field monitoring, Guinayen and the FFS facilitators discussed some challenges faced in the implementation of the FFS and some document-related matters, showcasing fruitful collaboration among partners in the FFS.
Meanwhile, farmer participants showed enthusiasm in joining the activity despite the remote distances of demo areas and session venues from their residences.
In addition, support from the Local Government Units from Ifugao and Mountain Province to the conduct of the FFS on Corn Production were expressed and acknowledged as well.
Aguinaldo, Ifugao Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Robert P. Changwayan encouraged the farmer participants to use and convey the learnings from the FFS to their co-farmers. He also stressed the significance of their learnings to corn production in their municipality.
In addition, Paracelis, Mountain Province Municipal Agriculturist Engr. Abbraham P. Gaddawan expressed his appreciation to the ATI-CAR for conducting such activity to capacitate corn farmers in CAR. He also shared that he is looking forward to the success of the program despite the effects of El Niño to corn farmers in their area.
The ATI-RTC-CAR, with the collaborative efforts of partner agencies, continues to empower corn farmers through this knowledge-sharing initiatives and skill development programs. (By
Vicky May Guinayen and Aldrin Sagao)
