As Winrock bids farewell to the Asia Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program, we would like to share the learning and impacts of the program in Bangladesh.

Dr. Janet Henderson summarized her experiences facilitating the Bangladesh F2F Host Learning Event in Dhaka in August 2018. The workshop was designed to summarize key hosts’ successes and innovations, as well as ongoing challenges, and discuss lessons for how to sustain and build on F2F impacts and initiatives; enable hosts to hear and learn from each other and to network; and identify recommendations and lessons to improve effectiveness of future F2F programs and other agricultural development efforts.

A key aspect of this workshop was to learn directly from the hosts, the recipients of volunteer technical assistance, what were the things that worked, didn’t work, and could be improved. Panel members, guest speakers, and breakout groups provided the following lessons learned for a successful F2F program:

• Provide practical, hands-on training; skills and knowledge participant can readily use
• Encourage networking among host institutions and organizations
• Emphasize the economic aspects of agricultural production enterprises, such as marketing
• Be realistic about what a short-term assignment can accomplish; establishing “doable” objectives
• Build the capacity of youth-oriented organizations to support youth directly

Listening to the panel

Guest speakers, panel members, and breakout groups offered the following ways they are sustaining the efforts of F2F volunteers:

• Creating teaching materials, such as posters and flipcharts
• Incorporating information into course syllabi and curricula
• Developing specific courses and modules on training received
• Replicating F2F trainings for others while also developing new trainers
• Maintaining contact with the F2F implementers and volunteers for additional assistance

Winrock has had the honor to implement Farmer-to-Farmer in Bangladesh for 22 years. We wish to thank all of our staff in Bangladesh, our volunteer, and hosts and partners for their commitment to this program and to the development of the Bangladeshi agricultural sector.

Breakout session

Mr. Ihtesham B. Shahjahan, Managing Director, Quality Feeds Limited

We started the feed company in 1995 and then I met Winrock. We were looking for buyers to start our project. Actually, I met with many U.S. organizations, but Winrock was the only organization that met my project goals in many aspects. F2F has helped our farming sector a lot and helped our economy. Had it not been F2F, my company would have never reached the heights that it has today.

Mr. Michael Roy, Advisor, Shalom

We have received assistance from three Winrock F2F volunteers beginning in 2015. The volunteers worked with tribal communities in three areas of Bangladesh on mushroom, banana, and pineapple production. We started with 40 farmers, now we are working with 400. The farmers’ incomes have been raised and are expanding every day. The use of organic fertilizers is an example of growing something without harming anything. The F2F volunteer professors from the U.S. have continued to contact us and provide assistance. The screening of Winrock F2F volunteers for the “right” person made the project successful.

Dr. Wais Kabir, Executive Director, Krishi Gobeshona Foundation

I have seen Winrock primarily focus on making the agribusiness sector more organized. Our collaboration with Winrock encourages cross-country experiences and volunteers in a country like Bangladesh also bring networking opportunities. I believe that the continuation of such services in our country will add value.

Over two decades, farm owner David Pearce has completed 45 volunteer assignments in 15 countries for Winrock International, most often with the USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program. A recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award and the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance “Volunteer of the Decade” award (honorable mention), Pearce is a dedicated and dynamic volunteer who has made countless, lasting connections with beneficiaries and staff around the world. Recently, after a three year hiatus from volunteering, Pearce added a new country, Nigeria, and two assignments to his already countless number of volunteer assignments.

“My first assignment took me to a moderate city (750,000) Saki, Oyo State Nigeria.  That’s as many folks in one city as in the State of North Dakota- where I call home.  The mission was to teach about cooperative formation and leadership, keeping records and creating the Chart of Accounts and a Journal Ledger, then to write a manual that might be used to train in future cooperative members and other entrepreneurs.

In total, about 90 participants attended the four days of workshops, with vast difference in background of education & training. To keep them engaged and involved was a challenge.  Three take-a-ways: 

1) At the start of the training we purchased a small MTN 4GLTE Internet HotSpot ($20)– it worked like a gem allowing me real time access to YouTube video (actually finding one of Nigerian Shea Orign, LTD).  Video ascends the lecture mode and involves nearly 100% of the audience.  I was able to search and find several resources, often in a language, my audience could understand- and then because of another’s insight and foresight to video and YouTube present them via battery powered laptop- how powerful to share and demo the possibilities. 

 

2)  Because of cameras, laptops, and telephones, we were able to display much of the group work done within small group interaction.  Power was sometimes sporadic- but we capitalized on the opportunities. 

 

3)  As a means of review- the final day of the training- we had “TRAINERS” within the group, volunteer and select chapters of the manual – the manual I was to prepare as a part of the overall workshop.  The trainers then used the manual as an outline and review present the key areas we’d covered all week.  It provided both a great review of the material presented, demonstrated alternative presentation techniques, incorporated cultural chants- but most importantly- a translation and interpretation into what had been shared and learned during our week together.  It was most affirming!  We ended the workshop with the presentation of certificates and a lunch!

 

 

In my second assignment, I worked with the Network for Agricultural and Technical Education in Nigeria (NATEN), a recently formed Board and at the recommendation of two prior F2F volunteers (Ms. Leslie Cosgrove and Prof. Chris Igodan), were an Organization and Group Dynamics Workshop was held at one of the member institutions.  I had the opportunity to shape and deliver a three-day interactive meeting with 5 of the 7 board members and 6 additional faculty and administrative staff.  I had four expected deliverables: 1) Provide an opportunity for the members to get to know themselves better- thus enabling higher levels of TRUST and team spirit, 2) provide an introduction to the network, its vision, mission, goals, and programs, and to enable every member to function within the same framework and with the same understanding and commitment.  3) Conduct training on procedures of meetings, documentation, and record keeping.  4) Design a training manual for the board to use to train future members of the network.  In the course of the three days- we did that.  After the training, I received a “heartwarming” letter from one of the participants within 24 hours of the training.”

 

When I initially read the notice about Winrock International needing a volunteer to teach pesticide safety and IPM; I got excited immediately. I teach people who want to become urban pest management professionals as well as continuing education credits (CEUs) for existing applicators in multiple states. In addition, I also give community talks about insect biology, IPM for consumers and environmental awareness. Of all that I do, my greatest joy comes from consulting with industry colleagues in agriculture and urban pest management.

Upon arrival, the night of January 29, my driver greeted me as though I was an old friend, even though it was my very first time to Guinea and my first time ever seeing him. Alpha took my bags and drove me to my hotel and made sure I was settled in my room before leaving me to get some rest. But how could I rest when my mind was in overdrive at the fact that I was actually in Guinea (Africa)? How could I rest with knowing that tomorrow would bring new acquaintances, new sights, sounds and new flavors? It was difficult but I finally drifted off. In the morning, the Country Director of Winrock International (Guinea), Ibrahima Diallo (Ibro), walked in to greet me and collect me. We talked and become familiar as we drove through the congested streets of Conakry towards the office of the Minister of National Plant Protection, which was the first stop of the morning.

Ibro made the necessary introductions and the Minister and his staff shook my hand and welcomed me into the country saying, “You are home, be comfortable.” “WOW,” is all that I could think as we departed the building. The next morning, we traveled to Kindia. As we drove the sites of the city fascinated me. The vibrant colors of the clothing, the barrage of yellow Renault Taxi cars and the swarm of motor taxi bikes was greedily taken in by my eyes. The longer we drove the more calming became. I was mesmerized at the mountains on the horizon but had no clue that would be our final destination.

After a steep climb in our vehicle, we arrived to the small town of Kindia after driving through two three other small towns. My first sights including free roaming goats, chickens and few domestic animals like dogs and cats. The second thing I noticed were the fields of crops as well as banana and mango trees. As we drove deeper into Kindia the road side fruit and vegetable stands excited me. Seeing the vibrant colors of the corn, peppers and mangos were an absolute treat. On the first day of training, I was nervous as a schoolboy on the first day at a new school. As the participants filed into the classroom, I became very intimidated because this was not a group of young inexperienced growers. Many were my elders and I knew from coarse handshakes that they had worked agriculture longer than I had been alive. A fear of inadequacy took over me, “What could I really teach these specialists?” My thinking was that I should be the one sitting with paper, pen and focused on every word they could offer me to help me become more efficient. As I began to share my knowledge, I transitioned my presentation from teaching inexperienced farmers to helping fellow colleagues with techniques to share with clients. Marines have this saying, “We adapt and overcome any obstacle and situation.” As they days passed, the participants and I dialogued and shared our experiences to gain a greater understanding. What we all discovered together is that people who are passionate about agriculture, no matter what region of the world we are from, have the same heart. We also share the same struggles and strive for the same goals. Even as agricultural extension agents we all face the same hurdles when it comes to educating clients, communities and government officials in the ways of pesticide safety concerning human health and maintaining a sustainable environment. We all agreed that we could only change the world one person at a time. I shared with them a saying my deceased father shared with me, “Don’t let what you cannot do, hinder what you can do.” And with that thought resonating in their minds, we forged through to our first exercise and class assignment.

The night before the last day of our sessions was a bit somber for me. In just eight days I had become extremely attached to my new friends and colleagues. I missed my family greatly but I equally knew that I would miss this group of professionals. On the last day, we all had smiles of accomplishment but there was an underlying sorrow that made its way to the surface at the end of the certificate ceremony. Holding back my own tears as others could not, I solemnly promised that I would return as soon as possible. The next morning as we drove away to descend down the mountain, I sat quietly reflecting on this once in a lifetime experience. I hope that what I have shared benefits not only the attending participants but the next generation as well.I humbly thank Winrock International, USAID, and Farmer-to-Farmer for allowing me this opportunity. I thank the extension agents, government and university officials for trusting me to share my knowledge and experience. But most of all I thank the people of Guinea, Kindia especially, for accepting me into their community and sharing their culture so freely.

Dr. Billye Foster, Professor of Agriculture at Tennessee Tech University recently returned from her first Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer trip with Winrock in Guinea. She worked with faculty and staff to improve administration of agriculture schools. During her trip, Dr. Foster kept a journal. Today’s blog is an excerpt from a day in Tolo.

After spending Saturday in Dalaba, we started back to Mamou by way of Tolo. Our primary goal was to visit the school in Tolo, which the Belgians began in 1932. The school houses 105 students, all who work on the farm or at the school as well as attend class. We stopped at the home of one of the two women in our workshop and both she and the Director were there with our lunch prepared. It is so strange because most of the food is made of things I’ve never heard of, yet there are pieces of things I grew up with.

Today, instead of rice, we had fonio (looks like mini rice and tastes like grits) and something called Cassava Tot—it had the consistency of really sticky cream of wheat but was made from Cassava flour and fonio and water. Of course this was all to be covered with the Sauce. Today’s sauce was creamy in appearance but was made of okra, peanuts, dried fish and spice! I wouldn’t have even known there was fish in it if they hadn’t told me. But you have to understand they literally beat the life out of the ingredients with wooden sticks and bowls. Then they cook it, then they beat it all again. There was no dairy of any kind in the sauce, but all that beating made it creamy.

This was all prepared by hand and cooked over a fire. The men in the group praised it highly (as they should have) and noted girls in the cities just didn’t know how to cook good food like this. We had papaya for dessert and then took the farm tour. This place is so remote you wonder how even 100 students found it, and although most of the buildings are in need of repair, they have a viable poultry system going. The students do almost all the labor and I have some great shots of the brooder house and the laying barn. But the next item on the agenda gave new insight to my perspective.

The woman who hosted our lunch works in the school’s administration, but also farms as most of the women here do. She has formed a group of women farmers and I was taken to their cooperative field and met by them straight from the field. They came to me singing and clapping and were so happy to see me! And I realized they were the same women I had seen cooking our lunch over open flame in the home’s yard. I got out of the jeep and met them clapping to their music. When they were close they surrounded me and started dancing, so naturally I joined in—we became fast friends and I agreed to serve as a long-distant advocate and advisor.

It was a very humbling experience. When you watch how hard these women work it is mind-boggling. Most are much younger than they look, and it is not uncommon to see them in the field or wherever—working hard with a baby strapped to their back. And sometimes these children are up to 2 or 3 years old. It is like a perpetual take your child to work program. They cultivate and plant by hand and clear with machetes like men. They sweep their floors with hand brooms made of thick, long grass of some type. I asked why their brooms don’t have handles and they looked at me like I was crazy.

I do not know how they do it all. The house work, including laundry by hand, the cooking—which is an all-day event, not to mention farming and childcare are heavy labor in this world.

“My assignment in Senegal with Winrock International on micro-garden was such wonderful experience. It enriched my knowledge of human development and of the integrity of cultural diversity as fundamental keys to ensure sustainable development and social cohabitation.

My mission could not have been completed without the humble professional support from both the Djilor Professional Training Center and Winrock Senegal. They made my journey in Senegal successful. From the beginning, a specialist from Winrock Senegal gave me a splendid tour of Dakar city and the ongoing micro-gardening projects. One of the micro-gardening projects was managed by the city hospital and the other by a women’s group. The tour enlightened me about the potential that micro-garden projects can contribute to poverty alleviation in an urban area. Our introductory session with the Djilor Professional Center was a great opportunity to observe how a local institution was committed to pivot local rural development through varieties of training programs.

The board members of the Djilor Professional Training Center guided us to meet with four Women’s Vegetables Farmer Groups and to assess their agricultural practice in the field. All of the four Women’s groups have been functional for 20 or 30 years. Thus, it was very important for me to learn their experiences, success, challenges, adaptations, and motivations keeping them running for that long period of time. What are their goals and objectives? How have they tackled problems together? This visit helped me to adjust the training themes to adapt to the field contexts. I am so thankful of their sincerity to share with us their capital knowledge on gardening and vegetable farming. The field visit was successfully completed with the diligent supports from the Director of the Djilor Professional Training Center, the two Assistants from Winrock Senegal who professionally translated every discussion with local people.

I trained approximately 19 people. The trainees included all of the Instructors and Professionals of the Djilor Professional Training Center, two Peace Corps Volunteers, and two representatives of the Women’s Vegetable Farmer Groups of the commune of Djilor. They were very enthusiastic to attend the training and greatly participated in every discussion and activities. The two women from the Women’s Vegetable Farmer Group proudly shared their field experiences, which provided rich illustrations and examples for micro-gardening practice.”