In the field: Listening to adaptation pioneers
Field days are events that bring people together. In this case, adaptation pioneers, other farmers, different partners, researchers—and everybody wants to share or learn something. The atmosphere is fascinating: there is all this anticipation and excitement in the air, especially with the dark clouds looming over the farms in this rainy May. When we arrive in the morning on the farm, the tents are being erected. The team set up the registration table, puts up the banners, and prepares the disinfectant for people to step in to prevent the transmission of livestock diseases.
Adaptation pioneers Joel and Eunice Rotich introduce the attending farmers to the field day programme on their farm, supported by Leah Gichuki, ILRI research officer. Photo by B.Habermann/ILRI.
The interaction in peer-to-peer learning is one of the most effective ways for farmers to learn. Pioneer farmers showcase what they have been doing on their farms. Other farmers get to share their experiences, which is a great way to learn. Farmers learn by doing; pioneer farmers demonstrated how to establish and plant different fodder crops. This was done practically together with other farmers.
Regina Koech on the benefits of farmer field days
Regina Koech
“We rarely get to meet so many interested farmers in one place. This is an amazing opportunity for us to talk to them about improvements in breeding and how to access better breeds,” Regina Koech, KAGRC.
