Leaderships That Emerge: Profile and Performance of Promoters in Farmer-to-Farmer Processes in Casanare, Colombia

The Farmer-to-Farmer (FtF) methodology has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting sustainable agriculture through horizontal knowledge exchange; however, its implementation in territories with emerging peasant organizational bases remains understudied. This study examines the profile and training performance of eight rural promoters in FtF encounters focused on plantain cultivation and agroecological practices in southern Casanare, Colombia. Performance was evaluated across four dimensions (communication and mediation, inclusion and attitude, methodology, and cultural belonging) using three complementary instruments: an expert evaluation matrix, a self-evaluation form, and an attendee perception survey (Likert scale 1–5). High overall performance was observed (median: 4.32), with medium scores in expressive capacity, enthusiasm and motivation, and session planning. Three promoter groups emerged based on agroecological transition level and global performance. Groups 1 and 2 achieved high scores (>4.0), while Group 3 showed opportunities for methodological strengthening. Expert evaluations revealed variability not captured by self-evaluation or community perceptions, underscoring the value of complementary evaluation approaches. These findings suggest that promoter effectiveness may depend less on formal education than on practical knowledge, community recognition, and relational competencies, and that targeted evaluation tools can support the pedagogical strengthening of farmer promoters.