Guidelines for gender integration in Farmer Field Schools: Towards gender transformative programmes

Global Food and Nutrition Security

Women are central to agrifood systems, yet persistent gender inequalities continue to limit their access to agricultural extension, resources and decision-making. At a time when closing gender gaps could improve food security for 45 million people, these guidelines show how Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can move from gender-blind implementation to gender-transformative impact. FFS are among the most widely used participatory learning approaches in agricultural development worldwide. However, without deliberate attention to gender, they often fail to respond to the realities faced by women and other marginalized groups.This publication offers clear, step-by-step guidance to integrate gender across the entire FFS cycle, from programme formulation and design to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning. By distinguishing between essential “must have” actions and aspirational “love to have” gender-transformative approaches, the publication supports users at different levels of ambition and capacity. Designed for FFS programme formulators, managers and practitioners, it promotes inclusive, participatory learning environments that challenge discriminatory norms and unlock the full potential of FFS to advance gender equality and sustainable rural development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

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Guidelines for gender integration in Farmer Field Schools: Towards gender trans…

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Authors	Phillips, S.; Furst, M.; Speciale, M.; Kersbergen, A.; Tasew, A.; Katembu, Q.;
Publisher	FAO; CARE;
Available from	05 Mar 2026
Related organisation(s)	FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Knowledge service \| Metadata	Global Food and Nutrition Security \| Gender Equality and Food Systems \| Farmer
Digital Europa Thesaurus (DET)	gender equality learning Monitoring vocational training

Guidelines for gender integration in Farmer Field Schools: Towards gender transformative programmes

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