Assessing the Impact of Farmer Field Schools on Knowledge Uptake and Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices among Smallholder Farmers in a Semi-Arid Region

Project Abstract

This study evaluates how Farmer Field Schools (FFS) influence knowledge uptake and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) among smallholder farmers in a semi-arid region, employing a mixed-methods design to capture both quantitative outcomes and qualitative experiences over two crop cycles. A multi-stage sampling approach selected 24 FFS groups and 12 non-FFS comparees, with a total of 480 household respondents participating in structured surveys, knowledge tests, and farm observation checklists. The research instruments were developed around CSAPs critical to semi-arid resilience, including soil moisture conservation, drought-tolerant varieties, agroforestry integration, water harvesting, and nutrient management, aligned with local extension content and farmer priorities. Knowledge uptake was measured through pre- and post-training assessments, participatory ranking exercises, and documentary evidence of practice changes, while adoption was quantified via farmer-reported implementation, area under cultivation, input usage patterns, and yield indicators across the two harvests. Additionally, 40 in-depth interviews with lead farmers, extension agents, and subject-matter specialists, along with 12 focus group discussions, explored cognitive, social, and institutional determinants of learning and practice adoption, such as perceived relevance, peer influence, gender dynamics, access to credit, market signals, and risk perceptions. Data were analyzed using a hierarchical linear model to estimate the effect of FFS participation on knowledge gains and CSAP adoption, controlling for demographic, farm, and household characteristics, followed by thematic content analysis of qualitative data to triangulate findings and uncover mechanisms. The results indicate that participation in FFS significantly enhances knowledge uptake, with higher post-test scores and improved ability to diagnose climate-related constraints, interpret weather information, and select appropriate CSAPs. Adoption rates of at least one CSAP increased by 28 percentage points among FFS participants compared to non-participants, with the strongest gains observed in soil moisture preservation, drought-tolerant varieties, and water harvesting techniques. Mediation analysis reveals that knowledge gains partially explain adoption, while social learning, farmer-to-farmer exchange, and continued access to extension support amplify this pathway. However, constraints persist, including limited access to credit for inputs, land tenure insecurity, gendered workload, and inconsistent rainfall patterns, which dampen full-scale adoption. The findings underscore the pivotal role of FFS in equipping farmers with actionable knowledge, enabling collective experimentation, and fostering community-driven adaptation to climate stressors. Policy implications emphasize scaling FFS with targeted gender-sensitive pathways, strengthening linkages to financial services, and embedding CSAPs within local value chains to sustain knowledge diffusion and resilient farming systems in semi-arid regions. The study contributes to theoretical discussions on experiential learning, knowledge adoption diffusion, and climate-resilience in agricultural extension, offering practical guidance for program designers, policymakers, and development partners seeking to leverage farmer-led learning for transformative adaptation.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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A straightforward study of how Farmer Field Schools (FFS) help smallholder farmers learn new climate-smart farming practices and actually start using them on their farms in a semi-arid area. It looks at what is learned, how farmers change their practices, and what supports or barriers affect adoption.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Many farmers in semi-arid regions struggle with drought, heat, and variable rain, and they often do not fully apply improvements they learn about. This project explores whether FFS meetings and hands-on training close this gap by improving knowledge and turning ideas into real farming changes.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Assess how much farmers learn from FFS sessions about climate-smart practices.
2. Measure whether learning leads to actual adoption of practices on the farm.
3. Identify factors that help or hinder adoption (income, access to inputs, peer support).
4. Provide recommendations to improve FFS design for better uptake.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Review existing literature on FFS and climate-smart agriculture.
2. Select study sites in a representative semi-arid region and recruit farmer participants.
3. Collect baseline data on knowledge and current farming practices.
4. Implement or observe FFS sessions and document content and participation.
5. Measure changes in knowledge through simple tests or interviews after sessions.
6. Track adoption by visiting farms and recording practice changes over time.
7. Analyze data to find links between learning and adoption and identify barriers.
8. Summarize findings and propose improvements for FFS programs.

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Expected Outcome

Expect to show whether FFS improve knowledge and whether that knowledge translates into higher adoption of climate-smart practices. The study should highlight practical steps to strengthen FFS, increase adoption rates, and support farmers to build resilience in a semi-arid environment.