Better targeting of farmers as a channel for poverty reduction: a systematic review of Farmer Field Schools targeting

Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) are an adult education and agricultural extension approach designed to empower farmers, increase productivity and improve livelihoods. We systematically review the literature and undertake content analysis, meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis to explore how FFSs are targeted and how the targeting affects participation and performance. Some FFS programs are found to include ‘equity’ criteria targeting the poorest or those judged to be most in need of the benefits FFSs offer. However, many FFS programs include ‘effectiveness’ targeting criteria designed to promote inclusion of farmers with more resources, education and social agency, with the aim of maximizing the impact of the program. While programs typically achieved the effectiveness-related inclusion objectives, some failed to fulfil the equity-related inclusion goals. This was because either conflicting targeting criteria and participant-selection mechanisms favored elite capture, or the need for a minimum level of s...