Cross-Country Analysis on Integrating Farmer’s Knowledge into Extension Approaches for Accelerated Agroecological Transition
- GFRAS Frontpage
GFRAS is proud to announce the launch of its latest cross-country analysis, spotlighting the crucial role of farmers' knowledge in accelerating agroecological transitions across Africa. This groundbreaking report, developed through the “Agroecological Transition, Responsive Extension Approaches” (ATREA) initiative, brings together insights from Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Madagascar, exploring how extension approaches can be designed to better engage farmers and co-create sustainable agricultural solutions.
A Collaborative Effort Across Regions
This work was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of the African Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (AFAAS), national Country Fora in the four target countries, the GFRAS Global Secretariat, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-funded by the European Union (EU) as part of the ProSoil / ProSilience Global Programme.
Together, these partners set out to identify and document extension approaches that meaningfully integrate farmers’ knowledge, respond to local needs, and drive agroecological change from the ground up.
What’s Inside the Report?
This extensive study investigates how different advisory models, such as Farmer Field Schools, Farmer-to-Farmer exchanges, Innovation Platforms, e-Extension, and unique local models like Tem Sesiabun Gorado in Benin and Paysan Relais in Madagascar, can support farmers to adopt agroecological practices.
Key highlights include:
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Comparative analysis of extension approaches across four countries.
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Innovative local models for peer-to-peer learning and co-creation of knowledge.
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Financial and social incentives that foster sustained farmer engagement.
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Cost comparison of extension approaches and implications for scalability.
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Recommendations for practitioners and policymakers on how to tailor, scale, and fund farmer-centered advisory services.
Why This Matters
Agroecology offers a promising pathway toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. But to succeed, it must be rooted in local realities and driven by farmers themselves. This report demonstrates that integrating farmers’ knowledge not only enhances the effectiveness of extension services—it builds trust, strengthens community networks, and ensures lasting change.
Explore the full report here:
