What is CARE’s Farmer Field and Business School (FFBS)?
CARE’s Farmer Field and Business School (FFBS) is a hands-on, practical learning approach that helps small-scale farmers, especially women crop-cultivators, livestock herders, pastoralists, and fisherfolk, improve their farms and incomes. It was first developed through the Pathways program building on FAO’s Farmer Field Schools (FFS).
As part of FFBS, women meet regularly during the farming season to learn new skills by doing real experiments on shared plots. They apply what they learn to their own farms—growing more food, earning more money, and gaining the confidence and skills to succeed in markets.
How does FFBS work?
- FFBS teaches farming, business, and nutrition together in one program.
- Women farmers learn climate-smart techniques, how to grow nutritious food, and how to access markets and sell their products at better prices.
- Training is scheduled around the farming season so it fits into women’s already busy lives.
- FFBS builds on existing groups like Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and farmer collectives.
Promoting equality
FFBS works to break down barriers women face in agriculture by engaging men, youth, and local leaders in conversations about their roles and equality.
Through dialogue and community-led discussions, FFBS supports social change so women can have equal opportunities and decision-making power.
Adapting to different contexts
FFBS has been used in a wide range of settings: from crop farming to livestock, beekeeping, and fishing—and in refugee camps, conflict zones, and with diverse groups like youth, people with disabilities, indigenous people, and landless farmers.
The approach continues to evolve and adapt to local needs and challenges.