Guidelines for gender integration in Farmer Field Schools: Towards gender transformative programmes

Global Food and Nutrition Security

Women are central to agrifood systems, yet persistent gender inequalities continue to limit their access to agricultural extension, resources and decision-making. At a time when closing gender gaps could improve food security for 45 million people, these guidelines show how Farmer Field Schools (FFS) can move from gender-blind implementation to gender-transformative impact. FFS are among the most widely used participatory learning approaches in agricultural development worldwide. However, without deliberate attention to gender, they often fail to respond to the realities faced by women and other marginalized groups.This publication offers clear, step-by-step guidance to integrate gender across the entire FFS cycle, from programme formulation and design to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning. By distinguishing between essential “must have” actions and aspirational “love to have” gender-transformative approaches, the publication supports users at different levels of ambition and capacity. Designed for FFS programme formulators, managers and practitioners, it promotes inclusive, participatory learning environments that challenge discriminatory norms and unlock the full potential of FFS to advance gender equality and sustainable rural development, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Resources

Guidelines for gender integration in Farmer Field Schools: Towards gender trans…

CGIAR Brief Theme 5 - Making agri-food systems more inclusive and empowering for youth: Gendered barriers, aspirations and pathways for transformation

This Brief argues that supplying sufficient food into the future relies on engaging youth to participate in building a vibrant food system. Yet many young people are leaving...

PUBLICATION | 19 Jun 2026

Gender indicators 2000–2024 June 2026 update

This Brief, produced on the occasion of the launch of the FAOSTAT Suite of Gender Indicators domain in June 2026, presents updated sex-disaggregated data across agrifood systems, organised around...

ONLINE RESOURCE | 19 Jun 2026

FAOSTAT Suite of Gender Indicators

The Suite of Gender Indicators presents a set of indicators relevant to agrifood systemswith the aim of highlighting gender differences across agrifood systems. It was launched in 2026...

Authors	Phillips, S.; Furst, M.; Speciale, M.; Kersbergen, A.; Tasew, A.; Katembu, Q.;
Publisher	FAO; CARE;
Originally published	05 Mar 2026
Related organisation(s)	FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Knowledge service \| Metadata	Global Food and Nutrition Security \| Gender Equality and Food systems \| Farmer
Digital Europa Thesaurus (DET)	gender equality learning Monitoring vocational training

Supporting policy with scientific evidence

Guidelines for gender integration in Farmer Field Schools: Towards gender transformative programmes

CGIAR Brief Theme 5 - Making agri-food systems more inclusive and empowering for youth: Gendered barriers, aspirations and pathways for transformation

Gender indicators 2000–2024 June 2026 update

FAOSTAT Suite of Gender Indicators