By Bernard Oketch
Homa Bay County Government, through the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Development, together with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), has successfully concluded a five-day Farmer Field School (FFS) refresher training for Ward Agricultural Officers (WAOs) and Ward Livestock Officers drawn from across the county.
The training, conducted throughout the week from October 26 to 30, 2026, at Miyare Agricultural Training Centre (ATC), was facilitated by Master Trainer Mr. Mark Otieno from Bungoma County. It aimed at strengthening the capacity of frontline extension officers to effectively facilitate farmer learning, promote climate-smart agricultural practices and improve agricultural service delivery at the grassroots.
The intensive programme equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills in Farmer Field School principles and practices, the Farmer Field and Business School (FFBS) approach, and climate-smart agriculture technologies and innovations across key value chains, including banana, cotton, dairy, coffee and rice.
Participants also explored problem identification and prioritisation, participatory technology development, agricultural extension methodologies, market surveys, value addition, farm business management, gross margin analysis and curriculum development to enhance farmers' productivity, profitability and market participation.
A key highlight of the training was the practical simulation of Farmer Field School activities, including field-based learning, agro-ecosystem analysis and season-long curriculum planning. The programme further covered digital extension support, community institutions such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), SACCOs and Common Interest Groups (CIGs), as well as environmental, gender and social safeguards in the implementation of FFBS activities.
The closing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Benjamin Kibor, National Extension Lead for NAVCDP, alongside Mr. Erick Adel, County Director of Agriculture, and Dr. Odiwuor, County Director of Veterinary Services, who underscored the importance of strengthening frontline extension services in supporting farmers and transforming agricultural production systems.
The refresher training is expected to enhance the ability of ward-level extension officers to deliver practical, farmer-centred advisory services, strengthen linkages between farmers and agricultural institutions, and accelerate the adoption of improved and climate-resilient farming practices across Homa Bay County.
The County Government, in collaboration with NAVCDP, continues to strengthen agricultural extension systems and equip frontline officers with the knowledge and tools required to support farmers, improve value chain performance and advance the county's agricultural transformation agenda.
