Does Farmers Field School Work? Assessing the Outcomes of Madrassah sa Basak of MSU-PhilRice in Lanao del Sur, Philippines

Leo M. Aguanta

Abstract


The farmer field school (FFS) is a season long training conducted in farmers' field to enhance their problem solving and decision making skills. Madrasah sa Basak (MSB), a Meranao term for farmer field school was implemented by the Mindanao State University (MSU) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). This study assessed the outcomes of MSB in terms of farmers' rates of awareness, knowledge, adoption of MSB practices, productivity, difference in net income of MSB baranggays, food security status and the factors associated with its outcomes. The descriptive-correlational study was used and data from Meranao rice farmer-recepients of the MSB program in Lanao del Sur, Philippines, were gathered using structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS. The findings indicated that rates of Meranao rice farmers' awareness, knowledge and adoption of MSB practices were fastest when MSB disseminated rice farming practices which were consistent to their existing practices. Additionally, they have attained optimal production level, and food security status. The MSB baranggay with active presence of farmer's organization realized the highest net income. The outcomes of MSB are significantly associated with the appropriateness of its strategies. This implies re-implementation of the MSB program over a wider coverage in collaboration with different line agencies both government and non-government that could provide varied infrastructure support vital to its sustainability.

Keywords


farmer field school, madrasah sa basak, Meranao, outcomes, rice farmers

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References


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