2021-09-30-国际粮食政策研究所-使农民田间学校制度化_卢旺达Twigire_Muhinzi国家推广系统（英）_58页_6mb

Summary of Institutionalizing Farmer Field Schools in Rwanda's Twigire Muhinzi National Extension System

• Introduction: This report details a case study on institutionalizing Farmer Field Schools (FFS) within Rwanda's national extension system, focusing on the Twigire Muhinzi system. It highlights how this approach enhances farmer skills, knowledge, and empowerment for agricultural development.

• Background: Rwanda has a high density of smallholder farmers, with agriculture being central to its economy. The Twigire Muhinzi National Extension System was established in 2014 to decentralize extension services, combining farmer-to-farmer approaches to improve productivity and sustainability.

• FFS Approach: FFS involves week-long group meetings with experiments and facilitated learning. It was integrated into Twigire Muhinzi in 2016, scaling from a project-based model to institutionalized support through government partnerships. Key features include peer training, commodity-specific groups, and alignment with national policies.

• Human Capital Development: FFS generates various human capitals, including technical skills (e.g., good agricultural practices), social skills (e.g., gender empowerment and collective action), functional skills (e.g., market analysis and savings), and empowerment (e.g., critical thinking and innovation). This leads to improved production, income, and livelihoods.

• Success Factors: Integration into national policy, coordinated central and decentralized support, financial backing from public-private partnerships, and farmer-to-farmer extension were critical. Peer trainers ensure local relevance and effectiveness.

• Challenges and Recommendations: Financial sustainability is limited by funding constraints, requiring cost-sharing strategies. Success requires maintaining high facilitator numbers and addressing scalability. Recommendations include enhanced partnerships and focus on inclusive participation.

• Conclusion: Institutionalizing FFS under Twigire Muhinzi demonstrates the potential for extension systems to foster human capital development. It can be adapted elsewhere with supportive policies and resources.