Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Exploring knowledge circulation and learning for social change and innovation in the context of farmer field schools, Egypt : case study : comparative study of male, female and mixed farmer field schools of Fayoum District

Auteur : Durrani Hashim

Université de soutenance : Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences

Grade : Master Degree Management of Development Specialization in Rural Development and Communication 2012

Préface
This study is about exploring knowledge circulation and learning for social change and innovation among the three types of Farmer Field Schools (male, female and mixed) in Fayoum district, Egypt. The study was conducted in three different villages named as Hussien Agha Silla, Bahnes and Sila. Thirty farmers with 50% male and 50% female were taken as a strategic sampling. Three facilitators (2 male and 1 female) and a District Coordinator, were also interviewed for the data collection. Furthermore, three Focus Group Discussions were conducted with the farmers in each FFS. The study research based on case study which included interviews, FGDs and triangulation as an effective mechanism was also used to gain a holistic view.

The main outcome of this study is that the performance of Facilitator was found unsatisfactory in terms of information and knowledge delivery. The study found that more learning and knowledge circulation is taking place in mixed FFS. There is a growing demand by the farmers for experimental plots1 , study visits to the farms of other districts, nurseries, research centres and food processing factories. Lack of group dynamic activities were found to be the cause of dominant character of the farmers in the FFSs. Family problems in general and house chore activities by female farmers in particular affected their participation.

Despite the fact that agriculture is the major source of income, the study exposes that farmers also generate income by making chees, sweets, liquid soap and biscuits that are learnt in the FFSs. The female farmers in particular generate income by handicrafts, embroidery and suing clothes to support their husbands or families. The study explains that how Knowledge circulates among member and non-member farmers through variety of ways and why more effective learning is taking place in mixed FFS ? Why the village promoter lacked the opportunities for conducting sessions in FFSs ? The un-satisfactory performance of facilitators in terms of information and knowledge delivery was also revealed. The study also illustrates the lack of financial resources among farmers and growing demand for experimental plots. Lack of group dynamic activities and factors influencing participation have also been discussed. At the end, some recommendations have been made to further improve on pace of learning and knowledge circulation among member and non-member farmers for social change and innovation

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