Assessing the Contribution of Farm Forestry Farmer Field Schools to Climate Resilience in a Mixed Crop–Livestock System in Dryland Kenya

Hideyuki Kubo (), Ichiro Sato, Josiah Ateka and Robert Mbeche
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Hideyuki Kubo: Independent Researcher, Kanagawa 259-0133, Japan
Ichiro Sato: JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, 10-5 Ichigaya Honmuracho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8433, Japan
Josiah Ateka: Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya
Robert Mbeche: Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-20

Abstract: This study examines the role of farm forestry Farmer Field Schools (FFSs) in strengthening climate resilience in mixed crop–livestock systems in dryland Kenya. Based on interviews and focus group discussions in Embu and Taita Taveta, this study finds that FFS participation enhanced tree cultivation, market monitoring, and group-based learning, with greater involvement of women in decision-making. While FFS households showed stronger motivation for continued learning and experimentation, it has not consistently translated into statistically significant improvements in climate resilience outcomes as measured by recent drought and disturbance impacts. Limited water access emerged as a major barrier. The findings suggest that while FFSs foster adaptive learning and farm-level innovation, their contribution to climate resilience requires integration with cross-sectoral strategies, especially water management and institutional support.

Keywords: farmer field school; mixed crop–livestock system; agroforestry; dryland Kenya; climate resilience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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