Effect of Farmer Field School (FFS) on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Profitability of Rice Farmers

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Model explains the individual’s knowledge which affects attitude and consequently changes the actual practices. The study investigated the effect of the Farmer Field School (FFS) on the knowledge, attitude, practices, and profitability of rice farmers in Babatngon, Leyte, Philippines. Ninety-four participants, which included 47 FFS farmers and 47 non-FFS farmers, were randomly chosen. Data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics, cost and return analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that FFS farmers have a significantly higher level of knowledge than non-FFS farmers in the Palaycheck System (p-value<0.001). Additionally, FFS farmers have a significantly great extent of practice than non-FSS farmers in the Palaycheck System (p-value<0.001). Furthermore, farmers with high knowledge, positive attitude, and the great extent of practice on Palaycheck system gain more profit. Therefore, farmers should acquire more knowledge, a positive attitude, and more practice on production technologies to increase profit. Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and demonstration farms should be established in multi-locations to highlight the benefits of the Palaycheck technology for widespread adoption.

EDUKASI BENCANA KEKERINGAN DAN KESIAPSIAGAAN WARGA MASYARAKAT DALAM MENANGGULANGI BENCANA KEKERINGAN DI KABUPATEN LOMBOK TENGAH PROVINSI NUSA TENGGARA BARAT

Geologically, Indonesia is located at the confluence of three of the world's main plates, namely the Indo-Australian Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Pacific Plate, which often cause disasters, for example drought. Central Lombok Regency is one of the regencies in West Nusa Tenggara, with these two seasons, most often hit by drought disasters, considering that the rainfall in Central Lombok is very small. So that disaster education and preparedness are needed for residents. This article uses qualitative research methods. The results of the study show that climate field schools have an important role in disaster education. Climate field school is a form of education for farmers that is very useful especially in understanding the weather and climate combined with new agricultural techniques that will allow farmers to plant different crops at different times of the year. Meanwhile, for preparedness, it is carried out through several programs in the form of urging and asking farmers to be disciplined in carrying out cropping patterns according to the zoning in which they are located (rice-padi-palawija or padi-palawija-palawija), mapping of land related to cropping patterns, planting rice parity that requires little water, namely the Situpagendit variety, and urges farmers to insure their rice plants, which is Rp. 36.000/ Ha for one planting season at PT. JASINDI. Keywords: Indonesia's geological location, disaster, disaster education.

Adaptation of cayenne pepper farmers (Capsicum frutescens L.) on climate change in Jelbuk Subdistrict Jember

Climate change becomes more difficult to predict. Thus, makes farmers no longer able to accurately predict planting season. The impacts are decreasing productivity and production of cayenne pepper which can cause farmers to suffer losses. Efforts to minimize these losses are carried out with appropriate adaptation actions according to the conditions of the cultivated land. This study aims to determine the adaptation made by cayenne pepper farmers in Jelbuk Subdistrict, Jember District because of climate change. The used analysed method is qualitative through structured interviews, observation, and documentation. The used sampling method is purposive. The results showed that in the last 10 years, cayenne pepper farmers have experienced climate change. These changes such as seasonal shifts, extreme rains, droughts, and changes in air temperature which have an impact on increasing attacks of plant-disturbing organisms. The adaptations carried out by cayenne pepper farmers are adjusting the planting season, adjusting plant types (using tolerant varieties and crop rotation), using mulch and adding organic fertilizer, adjusting the shape of the beds/mounds, adjusting spacing settings, improving irrigation channels (adjusting the depth of the canal), applying water-saving technology, applying integrated pest and disease management techniques, implementing an intercropping system, accessing information technology, and actively participating in agricultural extention and field schools.

An Impact Analysis of Farmer Field Schools on Hog Productivity: Evidence from China

In recent decades, pigs and pork have been the central elements of Chinese agricultural systems, food security, and diet. China’s rapid income growth has induced a significant change in food consumption patterns, and hog production has received utmost attention from both, the Chinese government and the public. While the impact of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on crop cultivation has been widely studied, few studies have examined the impact of FFS on hog production. This study uses data collected from 222 hog farmers in Beijing to examine the impact of FFS on the productivity of hog production, focusing on its three main indicators: feed conversion ratio and the mortality of sows and piglets. We found that farms that participated in FFS programs significantly improved the feed conversion ratio of hog production, particularly in small scale hog farms. On average, FFS reduced the feed conversion ratio for herd sizes of 1000, 500, and 200 by 6.8%, 10.7%, and 14.0%, respectively. We did not find evidence that farms that participated in FFS programs had a significant impact on minimizing the mortality of sows and piglets. This study suggests that the knowledge training model of the FFS program could also work in fields other than crop cultivation. Furthermore, we suggest that more attention could be paid to extension services diffusing knowledge of vaccination and disinfection in hog FFS programs.

Explaining what works: using causal chain analysis in systematic reviewsExplaining what works: using causal chain analysis in systematic reviews

Systematic reviews summarise and synthesise the global evidence about an intervention. By incorporating causal chain analysis, a systematic review moves beyond the question of ‘does it work?’ to ‘why does it work, for whom, under what circumstances and at what cost?’. The CEDIL Methods Brief 4, ‘Using causal chain analysis in systematic reviews’, lays out what causal chain analysis is, the benefits of using it, and how to do so. The brief provides guidance on conducting a causal chain analysis by illustrating with an example of a systematic review on farmer field schools.

Efficacy of farmer field schools in achieving participatory technology development among smallholder farmers in the Hoima district, Uganda

Purpose: This study investigated the efficacy of FFS for participatory technology development among smallholder farmers in Hoima district, Uganda. It is anticipated that by making FFS concrete, household food security will be enhanced. Research methodology: The study utilised primary data, which was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. While 120 respondents were sampled, 103 responded, generating a response rate of 85.83%. This was an excellent response seeing that it merited above 75%. The researcher administered all questionnaires in one month. Results: From the findings indicate that PTD is more desirable in the Hoima district. In addition, the construct of the ability to solve problems from time to time indicates that problem-solving is very desirable for PTD in the Hoima district. The results suggest a positive correlation between FFS and PTD among the study population, indicating that a unit-change in the FFS constructs will lead to a proportionate change in the constructs of PTD in the same direction. This implies that improving FFS quality by a single unit will translate into progressive improvement in PTD in the Hoima district. This study also suggests that FFS alone has a strong positive influence on PTD in the Hoima district. Limitations: This study merely covered farmer-field schools, yet several interventions aim to raise the quality of agriculture in Uganda, such as National Agricultural Advisory Services and Emyoga. Contribution: This study contributes to the deeper understanding of what ought to be done to improve the quality of farming in Uganda.