Training on Establishing FIGs

Trainers from SRD sharing the concept and activities of FIGs

From 6-13 March 2021, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) held training on establishing Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) to implement adaptive, climate-resilient agricultural models with the participation of 412 farmer households, including 207 women, 205 men, 107 near-poor households and 130 poor households from 8 project villages (Sai, Ta Khoang, Trai Phang, Nga Phat, Ban Phuc, Bien, Mo and Na Ke village) of two communes Nam Lau and Chieng Pha, Thuan Chau district, Son La. The activity is within the framework of the project "Mitigation and adaptation to climate change in the field of agriculture - forestry in the Northwest highlands", funded by Bread for the World (BftW) and coordinated by SRD, collaborated with the People's Committee of Thuan Chau district, Son La Sub-Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection and Sub-Department of Forest Protection.

Trainers showing how to hold group discussion on FIGs regulations

Group discussion on FIGs regulations 

The FIGs initiative was a way to mobilize the engagement of farmers in the implementation of the project models and activities as well as to strengthen their voice in deciding farming and agroforestry activities to adapt, increase resilience to climate change and suit the needs of the people. Members of the interest groups will also accompany the project in the implementation of climate-resilient agricultural activities, effective management and protection of community forests, water resources management (including drinking water) in the context of climate change, which is affecting heavily in Thuan Chau district and the project communes.

FIGs members sharing their suggestions

A mid-session break

In the training session, SRD representatives have shared the concepts and activities of 3 interest groups on climate change adaptation, indigenous chicken farming, and coffee farming intercropped with plum (sustainable agroforestry). The trainees also had a group discussion about the advantages and disadvantages, the establishment process as well as the general operating regulations of these 3 interest groups. Farmers with similar interests are established based on willingness, solidarity, mutual support, open sharing of experiences in cultivation, breeding, product consumption as well as strengthening community linkages and actively promote the internal strength of their families when participating in project activities. Draft regulations of the group have been discussed and agreed upon, will be held to collect opinions when the groups come into operation.

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