Optimizing the Implementation of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) in Intibucá, Honduras: A Systematic Approach

Abstract

The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) methodology focuses on observation, facilitating the understanding of topics, and promoting participatory research to incorporate new technologies. In the FFS implemented in Intibucá, 80 potato producers (41 men and 39 women) participated by establishing six experimental plots. Four aimed at evaluating resistance to Late Blight in six potato varieties grown in Intibucá ("Dicta Jicaramaní", "Dicta Purén", Fábula, "Bellini", "Soprano" and "Faluka"). Two were used to validate the decision support tool HH-DST (Hand Held Decision Support System) in the varieties "Bellini" (susceptible) and "Dicta Jicaramaní" (moderately resistant). The use of the PlantVillage NURU digital application was included for the recognition of diseases in potato crops. The main results showed the susceptibility of all the evaluated varieties to potato Late Blight and an increase in the participants' understanding of Late Blight in potatoes. The efficient use of the HH-DST tool allowed us to reduce the use of fungicides by up to 50%, compared to the local strategy, reducing the risks to the health of applicators, their families, and the environment.