Management of Productive Units through Field Schools (FES)

The Farmer Field School - FFS, was implemented as part of goal number three of the project called: "Study of cultivation systems associated with Andean fruit trees as an innovative strategy for the economic reactivation of the municipalities of Sandoná, Ipiales, Florida, Arboleda, Providencia and Peñol of the department of Nariño"; aimed at solving problems arising from the COVID-19 which significantly affected the productivity of the municipalities under study.

Therefore, through the methodology of knowledge dialogues and participatory methodology based on non-formal education for adults, the Farmer Field School (FFS) was developed, to strengthen new knowledge, skills, and perspectives through practical and theoretical training for the members of the productive units of the six municipalities of the department of Nariño, because FFS offers farmers the opportunity to experience new agricultural techniques, sustainable practices, and scientific approaches that can challenge their traditional methods, and can even lead transformation in their thinking and acting concerning agriculture.

The results revealed significant impacts demonstrated by a personal transformation, changes in roles, customs, and traditions, and an increase in the economic development of households. It is concluded that the implications are relevant both in the members of the productive units of the municipalities of this study, and the theory of transformative and significant learning, that become strategies and tools for participatory agricultural education for rural transformation, progress, and sustainability in Nariño.