Assessment and field validation of the farmers field school (FFS) as a training platform for farmer-beneficiaries of the rice competitiveness enhancement fund (RCEF)

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of the Farmer Field School (FFS) as a training platform under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) in improving rice yield, income, and the adoption of good agricultural practices among farmer-beneficiaries in Region II, Philippines. A total of 279 farmers participated in a survey and a supporting field experiment that evaluated the performance of seven nutrient management strategies. Results showed that a majority of the respondents consistently implemented key checks in rice production, with 15 out of 21 parameters rated as “always practiced.” Yield data revealed a significant shift toward higher productivity: the number of farmers harvesting less than 5 tons ha⁻¹ dropped from 60.15% to 24.81%, while those exceeding 8 tons ha⁻¹ increased from 18 to 50 farmers. Income levels improved correspondingly, with a 192.68% increase in farmers earning over ₱100,000 after training. The field trial further validated the benefits of FFS-recommended practices, identifying the Soil Analysis with Leaf Color Chart (T5) as the most effective treatment with a yield of 4,781 kg ha⁻¹. High levels of satisfaction with the FFS training (98.93%) and strong implementation rates (77.06% always practicing) underscore the program’s success. Future training needs identified by farmers include pest and disease management, digital agriculture, and the establishment of techno-demo farms. Overall, the FFS program demonstrated a substantial positive impact on farmer productivity and livelihood, supporting its continued implementation and enhancement.