Academic Writing on from Farmer to Farmer Exploring the Role of Farmer to Farmer Extension Networks in Building Capacity and Knowledge Sharing

Name of Author : Amita Kandel, Raveenthiran Vivekanantharasa, Rabina Pandit, Shishir Pandey

Abstract: This paper identifies Farmer to Farmer extension network (F2F) as a transformative approach as it is very effective for agriculture knowledge sharing and capacity building. Despite of crucial role of agriculture in country economies actual profit is not achieved by farmer leading to think against traditional top down extension approach. In counter of that approach, Farmer to Farmer extension network advocates for participatory model where experienced farmer designed as farmer trainer, disseminate knowledge within the communities. This approach not only is seen beneficial just because of its participatory model but also highlight the importance of informal cultural knowledge that foster agro system with are more practical than conventional method. The paper includes historical development of F2F, bolding it origin from 1920s with International Institute of Rural Reconstruction and its subsequent global adoption. The primary characteristic of this network is the farmer trainers ability to communicate effectively and their attitude toward learning quickly the networks effectiveness is entirely dependent on the farmer trainers ability to implement it. This study shows the mechanism through which these network operate, including the role of farmer trainer in training, monitoring and facilitating the connection between farmer and extension services. By going through various case studies in country like Nepal, F2F have played vital role in promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing farmers adaptive capacity. To sum up, we can also say that this network can be the best of all by carefully selecting trainer farmers and offering them the necessary training to improve their silk, which in turn helps other farmers become more motivated to farm and develop their problem solving skills, ultimately resulting in improved livelihood and resilience in rural communities.

Keywords : Agriculture knowledge, Farmers ability, Farmer to Farmer extension network, Farmers adaptive capacity

DOI :