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Assessing the Contribution of Farm Forestry Farmer Field Schools to Climate Resilience in a Mixed Crop–Livestock System in Dryland Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Hideyuki Kubo

    (Independent Researcher, Kanagawa 259-0133, Japan)

  • Ichiro Sato

    (JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, 10-5 Ichigaya Honmuracho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8433, Japan)

  • Josiah Ateka

    (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya)

  • Robert Mbeche

    (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya)

Abstract

This study examines the role of farm forestry Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) in strengthening climate resilience in mixed crop–livestock systems in dryland Kenya. Based on interviews and focus group discussions in Embu and Taita Taveta, this study finds that FFS participation enhanced tree cultivation, market monitoring, and group-based learning, with greater involvement of women in decision-making. While FFS households showed stronger motivation for continued learning and experimentation, it has not consistently translated into statistically significant improvements in climate resilience outcomes as measured by recent drought and disturbance impacts. Limited water access emerged as a major barrier. The findings suggest that while FFSs foster adaptive learning and farm-level innovation, their contribution to climate resilience requires integration with cross-sectoral strategies, especially water management and institutional support.

Suggested Citation

  • Hideyuki Kubo & Ichiro Sato & Josiah Ateka & Robert Mbeche, 2025. "Assessing the Contribution of Farm Forestry Farmer Field Schools to Climate Resilience in a Mixed Crop–Livestock System in Dryland Kenya," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8157-:d:1746535
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Davis, K. & Nkonya, E. & Kato, E. & Mekonnen, D.A. & Odendo, M. & Miiro, R. & Nkuba, J., 2012. "Impact of Farmer Field Schools on Agricultural Productivity and Poverty in East Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(2), pages 402-413.
    2. Van den Berg, Henk & Jiggins, Janice, 2007. "Investing in Farmers--The Impacts of Farmer Field Schools in Relation to Integrated Pest Management," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 663-686, April.
    3. Barrett, C. B. & Reardon, T. & Webb, P., 2001. "Nonfarm income diversification and household livelihood strategies in rural Africa: concepts, dynamics, and policy implications," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(4), pages 315-331, August.
    4. Ichiro Sato & Hideyuki Kubo & Josiah Mwangi Ateka & Robert Mbeche & Ayaha Mochizuki, 2025. "Promoting livelihood diversification among rural farming households in Kenya: what role does farm forestry farmer field school play?," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 13(1), pages 1-22, December.
    5. Seydou Zakari & Germaine Ibro & Bokar Moussa & Tahirou Abdoulaye, 2022. "Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change and Impacts on Household Income and Food Security: Evidence from Sahelian Region of Niger," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-18, March.
    6. Cornelius K. A. Pienaah & Roger Antabe & Godwin Arku & Isaac Luginaah, 2024. "Farmer field schools, climate action plans and climate change resilience among smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 177(6), pages 1-25, June.
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