The roles of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and farmer business schools (FBS) in sustainable agricultural production and smallholder welfare: A systematic literature review without meta-analysis (2010–2023)

This study reviews the contributions of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and Farmer Business Schools (FBS) to sustainable agricultural production between 2010 and 2023, based on evidence from 43 peer-reviewed studies. The review highlights the effectiveness of FFS and FBS in improving smallholder farmers' productivity, income, and food security through enhanced knowledge, skills development, technology adoption, and efficient resource use. Beyond agronomic and economic outcomes, FFS and FBS have significantly influenced human and social dimensions. They enhanced farmers' decision-making capacity, improved access to markets and services, and fostered collective action and innovation. Participation also led to improvements across all five livelihood capitals: human, physical, financial, natural, and social. Several studies reported notable gains in well-being and per capita expenditure among participants, along with evidence of gender transformation and increased women's empowerment. Key factors influencing participation in FFS and FBS included membership in Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) and access to extension services. Overall, FFS and FBS were found to positively influence farmers' decision-making, risk management, and livelihood strategies, thereby contributing to rural development and social inclusion. These findings underscore the potential of scaling up FFS and FBS as strategic interventions for advancing sustainable agriculture and strengthening smallholder resilience.