In the field: Listening to adaptation pioneers

Field days are events that bring people together. In this case, adaptation pioneers, other farmers, different partners, researchers—and everybody wants to share or learn something. The atmosphere is fascinating: there is all this anticipation and excitement in the air, especially with the dark clouds looming over the farms in this rainy May. When we arrive in the morning on the farm, the tents are being erected. The team set up the registration table, puts up the banners, and prepares the disinfectant for people to step in to prevent the transmission of livestock diseases. 

Adaptation pioneers Joel and Eunice Rotich introduce the attending farmers to the field day programme on their farm, supported by Leah Gichuki, ILRI research officer. Photo by B.Habermann/ILRI.

The interaction in peer-to-peer learning is one of the most effective ways for farmers to learn. Pioneer farmers showcase what they have been doing on their farms. Other farmers get to share their experiences, which is a great way to learn. Farmers learn by doing; pioneer farmers demonstrated how to establish and plant different fodder crops. This was done practically together with other farmers. 

The team supporting the adaptation pioneers has organized 37 field days with the pioneer farmers, reaching more than 2000 farmers. It has been a unique experience every time, and the positive feedback has been very inspiring.  

Read the full story at CGIAR.org.

Banner Photo: Adaptation pioneers Cornelius and Monica Kosgei help Esther Omayio in preparing demonstration on feed formulation. Photo by B.Habermann/ILRI.