In international development, the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program has been making waves for decades, connecting American volunteers with farmers and entrepreneurs in developing countries to share their skills and knowledge. But what exactly is the F2F Program, and how does it work? To shed some light on this unique initiative, we turn to Michael Bassey, the Country Director for Winrock International, who has firsthand experience with the F2F Program and its impact. In this blog post, Michael shares his insights on the F2F Program, its structure, and how it has made a difference in the communities it serves.

A critical factor that makes the F2F Program unique is its structure as a program rather than a project. This structure allows for continuity, as requests for support are generated from a diverse range of host organizations following the five-yearly rounds of the Program. The bottom-up approach of the F2F Program also ensures that support is organic and demand-driven, with beneficiaries generating a needs list for capacity development and technical support.
The focus of F2F interventions is strictly on capacity development and technical support, aimed at improving the human and institutional capacity of host and partner organizations. To assess the capacity of hosts and partners to receive support, the Program leverages the Organizational Capacity and Organizational Development Indexes (OCI and ODI).

During his tenure, Bassey has seen various impacts from the F2F Program. These include human and institutional capacity development for hosts and partners, such as improvements in pedagogy, research, curriculum development, teaching capacity, and materials development for online education. Learners have also benefited from improved learning environments, increased opportunities for internships, and improvements in campus infrastructure. Institutional impacts have included strategic planning, revenue mobilization, partnership development, fast-track program accreditation by regulatory agencies, and improved capacity to leverage funding.Bassey also notes the development of the capacity of nationals who now serve as volunteers, the contribution of training materials, information, and studies to the agricultural education and training (AET) body of knowledge, and cultural exchanges on both the volunteer and host country perspectives. The F2F Program has also partnered with other Feed-the-Future (FtF) Activities and other US-government funded programs, further increasing its impact.

Overall, the F2F Program has effectively provided demand-driven technical support and capacity development for host and partner organizations in agriculture education and training. Its unique structure and focus on capacity development have led to positive impacts that are both traceable and sustainable, making it an essential program in the development of agriculture and rural livelihoods.

As a proud implementer of volunteer programs around the world, Winrock International is always happy to participate in celebrating and recognizing service. Each year at this time, we join many other organizations nationwide to reflect on volunteerism–particularly around these three questions: “What’s your story?”, “What does service mean to you?” and “Why do you volunteer?” We asked our recruiters to reflect on what motivates people to volunteer and what motivated them to join Winrock International to recruit our volunteers. 

Darly Embry 

I am a mother of two grown children and four grandsons and will celebrate 43 years of marriage to my best friend, Jeff. We live on the family farm and are engaged in hay and agriculture farming. It has been a continuous family farm since 1947. In 2001 I began working for Winrock International in Finance. After completing my degree in Sociology, I went to work as a Recruiter for the Farmer-to-Farmer program and have been there ever since. I have seen many changes, but one thing that never changes is the inspiration I get daily from the people I work with and the job we do as a team. I had this discussion with many volunteers over the past 20 years and received a wide variety of responses. Some feel it’s a responsibility we give back to others, and some feel it’s a moral obligation to help the poor and disadvantaged.

For some, it can be the curiosity of learning about other cultures and being inspired by them. These volunteer experiences provide fulfillment in learning, helping, and giving to others. When it’s over, you realize you receive more from this volunteer experience than you ever imagined. It truly is life-changing for our host and our volunteers. Winrock has both national and international programs that work with individuals and communities to enable them to improve their lives and livelihoods. “When you give a person a fish, they eat for a day. When you teach a person to fish, they eat for a lifetime.” I had just started working for Winrock, and my husband, Jeff, went on a volunteer assignment to Turkmenistan. It changed our worldviews of other cultures and the inspiration they provide. Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others. To give of yourself and not receive anything in return. Volunteering is selfless, but in return, you will experience a life-changing worldview of cultures that aren’t much different from your own. 

Dr. Olivia Caillouet 

I have worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas’ College of Agricultural and Life Sciences International Programs Office, helping match students with study abroad opportunities. I have also worked on farms in Puerto Rico, Mozambique, Timor-Leste, and Panama, which fueled my passion for international agricultural development. I received my Bachelor’s in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas, a Master’s in Agricultural and Extension Education from the University of Arkansas, and a Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Education and Communication with an emphasis in Extension from the University of Florida. I enjoy rock climbing, sailing, and visiting botanical gardens during my downtime. I am committed to promoting resilient agricultural systems, improving people’s lives, and sustaining natural resources. 

While completing my master’s thesis, I had the chance to research what motivates individuals to engage in international experiences. As a recruiter for Winrock’s F2F program, I have observed that “a sprit of service” is the driving force that motivates individuals to volunteer. Our most successful volunteers are often intrinsically motivated to share their skills with our host organizations abroad. Our intrinsically motivated volunteers are driven by an internal sense of responsibility to give back to others, have a growth mindset, and find emotional connection through international relationship building. Most volunteers understand the deep inequities around the world, and where an individual is born can be a strong determinant for their overall quality of life.

Also, our volunteers are driven by a deep sense of purpose related to disseminating agricultural best practices, improved rural livelihood, gender equality, and economic development. Winrock’s F2F volunteers understand their skills and want to be of service to build international collaboration and work toward global food security, resource conservation, and accessible education. Our volunteers are often motivated through mutual learning and cherish the opportunity to learn from another culture. My passion for joining Winrock as a recruiter aligns with many factors motivating our volunteers. My background in horticulture and agricultural extension made my transition to Winrock seamless. Every day I get the opportunity to connect technical experts with demand-driven needs from our colleagues abroad while simultaneously strengthening agricultural networks, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and empowering communities to build local capacity, which strengthens economies. I am honored to work for Winrock’s F2F program and am continually motivated by the growth of our host organizations, volunteers, and continued learning focused on agriculture, natural resources, and improved lives for people around the world. 

When asked to write a piece for Women’s History Month, it caused me to quickly reflect over 28 years of working in women’s economic empowerment and perhaps some advances for women I have experienced while working in other countries and cultures. I have just returned from Senegal, where I have spent the last month completing two assignments for the Farmer-to-Farmer Program, working with three cooperatives, teaching them natural soap manufacturing, and assisting one cooperative, in particular, to add three additional body care products (lip balm, hair & scalp oil and body balm) to an existing soap range that I have helped them to develop over the years. With around 14 volunteer assignments done for Winrock and Farmer-to-Farmer since 2011 (six alone in the country of Senegal), my journey started many years ago as a business college graduate who joined the Peace Corps and served in Guatemala (1995-97), where I was blessed with the rich experience of living in the beautiful indigenous Mayan village of San Miguel Chicaj in the Department of Baja Verapaz. Working primarily with female textile artisans helping them to obtain income-generating loans and access to fair trade markets, providing them with technical assistance and oversight, as well as teaching local youth in the schools’ entrepreneurship, the experience was life-changing for me, and I have been passionately doing this kind of work ever since.

My work takes me primarily to the African continent, where I teach mostly farmers in all aspects of business management and cooperative development. However, having also owned and operated a fair trade natural bath and body care company for 10 years, soapmaking is the perfect income-generating activity where people can incorporate many agricultural inputs as well as support a circular economy. It is still an extremely viable business model in many parts of the world, particularly for women, with locally available, economical, and abundant raw materials. It provides a relatively quick access-to-market for entrepreneurs as they don’t necessarily need to invest in expensive equipment and machinery and nor do they need to have access to electricity in order to get started. Beautiful, natural ingredients such as shea butter, red palm, palm kernel, peanut, castor, beeswax, honey, and coconut oil are just a few that are perfect for soapmaking. Fortunately, increased awareness and appreciation for the natural product market across Africa provides groups with lots of business opportunities for the foreseeable future. Then when you add in plants such as peppermint leaf, turmeric, ground cinnamon, hibiscus flower, dried orange peel, tamarind, black pepper, moringa, neem, eucalyptus leaf, coffee (to name a brief few) that can serve as wonderful natural colorants and exfoliants, there exists a vast potential for supporting local farmers, who also most often end up being other women. It can also mean being the stimulus needed to give farmers the courage to diversify away from pesticide-laden crops (i.e., tobacco) that big corporations control the global prices of and keep people in poverty. Soapmaking is an ideal, low-impact business activity producing a staple product that fights germs and disease, aids with sanitation and hygiene, can be used for laundry, bathing, and household cleaning purposes, and is a great skill that can lift people and communities. Just on the African continent alone, my work has so far taken me to Liberia, Ghana, Uganda (check out www.mamamzungu.co), a social enterprise I have founded creating jobs for marginalized women affected by Albinism), Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Malawi. I also did remote assignments in Benin, Ghana, and Senegal during the coronavirus pandemic and am currently working on an exciting circular economy project combining women’s economic empowerment and primate habitat (www.bonobo.org) in the DRC as well as being a consultant to onboard projects protecting forests and wildlife for a carbon credit start-up called One Tribe Global (www.ontribeglobal.com). 

Sometimes when I go on these assignments, I stare out the car window as I am driven through city streets or rural communities, and it is not always so evident to me that change is actually happening for the better. I will honestly admit to feeling and thinking that at times. But I have distinctly noticed in the classroom over the years a definite shift in women speaking up and not being as shy at using their voices. Their growth in confidence is abundantly apparent and happening in increasing numbers. More and more women are stepping out into society and grabbing entrepreneurial opportunities by the reins and taking charge, bartering, and purchasing and selling their goods as opposed to the men always doing it. And yes, more and more men in these societies are supporting these women’s education, business pursuits, dreams, and opportunities to generate an income for their households, which I see as progress. After all, there is no sense in any society holding back 50% of their population’s economic and development potential simply based on gender! I remember years ago walking into meetings with groups of women, and the silence was absolutely deafening. It was like pulling teeth to get women to speak up, not be so meek or scared, even to ask a question or share an opinion. In mixed groups especially, they would most often sit quietly while the men took charge. This has persisted for many years during my time working in women’s economic empowerment. But this isn’t necessarily the case anymore, especially with the younger generations of women I now find in some of my workshops. They speak up, defend their positions on topics, come forward excitedly when I ask for volunteers, and offer their knowledge, and there are many more women as leaders of these cooperatives than I have ever experienced before. They are utilizing mobile technologies and social media and often have their phones at the ready to research and probe further. So I see a definite shift.   

A favorite phrase I often refer to is ‘Empowered Women Empower Women’; the perfect example is the women of AMIDEF in Senegal. I have worked with them since 2017 and have done a total of four assignments with them (three in person and one remote during covid). So I was thrilled at the prospect of being invited back to work with them now in 2023 and to help them expand their product range. What impressed me most about these women is that since 2017, they have expanded their soap manufacturing in seven regions outside of Dakar (where they are based). They have taken the knowledge I shared with them years ago and have shown their commitment to empowering other women by teaching hundreds of others this skill. With a burgeoning overall membership of 29,000 members countrywide (participating in various income-generating activities – cereals, grains and flour, food preservation, etc.), they assembled 45 regional leaders for our time together on this last trip. What an exuberant, motivated, excitable, and dedicated group of women they remain to be! After our week together developing new products for them, I traveled across the country to a place called Bakel, where I trained another 20 women in soapmaking, and then to Kaolack, where there was another group of approximately 25. What became evident to me is that there is a strong business case for these two groups of women also to join forces with AMIDEF, unify themselves in this industry, and position themselves commercially to not only establish a recognizable brand presence in Senegal and across West Africa but also to realize the real potential of exporting in time. They have specifically asked me to return to Senegal in perhaps a month or two to help them with this unifying process, and I very much look forward to that! This women’s cooperative’s history and development is just one brilliant case study and a shining example of the merits of the Farmer-to-Farmer program and Winrock’s targeted efforts over the past ten years, particularly when it comes to empowering and skilling women.   

As an organization committed to sustainable and equitable agriculture and rural development, the Winrock International Farmer-to-Farmer Program would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and honor the significant contributions and impact that the Black Diaspora has had on the agriculture industry in the United States. For centuries, Black farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers have played a critical role in shaping and sustaining our food systems, despite facing systemic discrimination and barriers to land ownership and access to resources. Their contributions have been vital to the success and diversity of the American agriculture sector, yet their stories and legacy have often been overlooked or undervalued. We understand this is a long-term commitment and that much work must be done. However, we are committed to being a part of the solution and working toward a future where Black farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers are honored, respected, and have the necessary resources and support to thrive. This is why we at Winrock International’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program would like to recognize and honor the work of one of our Volunteer Champions, Dr. Onesimus Otieno.

Dr. Onesimus Otieno is a passionate advocate for international development and an experienced volunteer with Winrock. Onesimus has gained valuable experience and confidence through his volunteer work with Winrock, allowing him to develop networks and obtain international experience. Dr. Onesimus Otieno a committed and passionate F2F Volunteer. As a Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer with Winrock International, Dr. Otieno shares his teaching and information technology expertise to benefit farmers and communities in Senegal, Nigeria, and beyond. Dr. Otieno has been praised for understanding his audience and tailoring his teaching to their specific needs. Dr. Otieno’s dedication to this work has made a lasting impact, with Hosts and fellow Volunteers reporting increased knowledge and enthusiasm for their work due to Dr. Otieno’s leadership. As a F2F Volunteer, Dr. Otieno has also gained a global perspective that has impacted his professional focus and worldview. He recognizes our world’s interconnectedness and the impact each individual can have on others.

What makes you passionate about the Farmer-to-Farmer Program, and why do you feel you can be such a strong advocate?

I represent the many whose lives have been transformed by the experiences we gain abroad. I discovered how much impact a single individual can make in a community. At each of my eight assignments, I have learned how to apply my technical skills in different contexts. I discovered new things about myself as I was stretched beyond my comfort zones. My world is now a lot wider. I have more confidence in my skills and have a more extensive global network of colleagues. The skills I learn abroad have made me better back home, and I can more effectively mentor others toward global awareness.  

Why do you think it’s vital for BIPOC to participate? What is the purpose and importance of having a DEI initiative?

The importance of the DEI initiative is to mainstream BIPOC into all activities. This represents a more complete spectrum of Americans to the world. Many countries experience marginalization of minority groups, and the DEI initiative demonstrates an atmosphere of inclusion. Demonstrating inclusion by example will help motivate our host partners to do the same. The authenticity of being inclusive within will go a long way to give our hosts a sense of inclusion where they perceive themselves as colleagues and peers.

What are the benefits of Volunteering with Winrock?

The projects are very well vetted, and all plans are put in place to use time and resources efficiently. The assignments are well coordinated by very efficient and professional staff. This happens from the day you first declare interest to follow-up after the project in networking with new and old volunteers. I have been to eight assignments, and they all were very well coordinated.

What advice would you give a new Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer?

Please welcome what will change you as you change the world! The Winrock International staff does a great job of matching your skills to the assignment and provides all the support you need to be successful. This reduces the anxiety associated with working in unfamiliar environments. The assignments are long enough to create an impact and have a meaningful experience of the local culture and environment. The assignment is also short enough to fit into a busy schedule with multiple conflicting priorities.

April 18^th to the 24^th is National Volunteer Week in the United States which gives us all a chance to stop, reflect, and shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve. As North America awakens to spring and the sense of a renewed optimism, what better time to take a moment and recognize the volunteers who share their time, talent, and treasure to build a more connected global community.

Over a year ago now, the world entered into a profoundly challenging, unforeseen, and tumultuous moment in time. The rise and eventual spread of COVID-19 across the globe profoundly impacted every nation, industry, and way of living. Many people have referred to 2020 as a “dark” or “lost” year. We cannot deny the immense struggle or burden felt by people from every walk of life. And yet, that truth only makes the efforts of Winrock’s volunteers during the past year that much more remarkable.

As airports around the world shut their doors, American volunteers did something amazing- they adapted and continued to support international communities. At Winrock International, technical expert volunteers, primarily through the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program, raised their hands and offered their effort to find a new way to help those in need. Through the use of real-time video-conferencing technology and partnerships with local experts, American volunteers put proof to the quote that “all failure is failure to adapt, all success is successful adaptation.” Demonstrating a remarkable resilience and creativity in the face of difficulty, Winrock volunteers successfully blazed new pathways to connect and collaborate, directly improving the lives of thousands of individuals in rural communities across the world.

One such beneficiary, Mr. Karamo Fofana, a member of a community development group in Guinea, West Africa, noted that: Today, I am 1,000 kilometers from the capital where the Winrock training is being held, the American trainer is in the United States, his Guinean counterpart is in a room with a group in the capital, there are others are all over Guinea joining, learning, and participating; We work as if we were all together in the same room. Really, this is a first and an innovation for us. To this end, we are very grateful to Winrock Farmer-to-Farmer and the U.S. Government, which is sparing no effort to accompany us during this period of COVID19. Thanks to new technologies, we can be everywhere and work together”.

This week, we take a moment to stop and say thank you to the volunteers who brighten the world.  Despite the personal and professional setbacks, we all faced over the past year, so many have lifted their light and showed us that all challenge is really just a hidden opportunity.

Here are some of our volunteers in action over the past year. If you feel a calling to serve in a similar capacity, there are many opportunities listed at www.winrock.org/volunteer.