GTZ-ITFSP
P.O. Box 47051
Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 2 524658 or 524000
Fax: +254 2 524651 or 524001
E-mail:Meckert@cgiar.org

Participatory farming systems analysis (PFSA)

The core element of the farmer-based monitoring and evaluation scheme is participatory farming system analysis (PFSA). ITFSP has introduced PFSA as a way to identify the most profitable tree-planting options, which can be used as the transmission belt for disseminating technologies. In this approach, extension officers and farmers with well-developed tree-crop enterprises are trained together to collect and analyse the necessary farm data for analysing production systems and undertaking farm planning. The approach can also:

• improve the capability of farmers and extension officers to do economic farm planning
• analyse production systems in the management project cycles

Implementing PFSA follows these steps:

• Identify groups to be reached
• Conduct on-the-job training in joint sessions for farmer trainers and extension officers in collecting data and using analysis tools
• Use the data analysis tools in the training workshops
• Learn to use the data collection tools by conducting farm surveys
• After the farm surveys, use the data analysis tools in the workshop.
• Invite farmers and other stakeholders for a presentation of analysis results of the farms surveyed
• Plan follow-up activities; have the trainers conduct additional farm survey analyses
• Follow up PFSA workshop for further analysis of data collected by farmers
• Establish a database and monitoring and evaluation scheme. Continue data collection as dictated by needs of the association, organization or project

Results of PFSA shows that trees contribute substantially to the overall household income of the smallholder farm. The variation in fruit production between the high-potential areas and the medium- and low-potential areas combined is wide.

Farmers indicate that they prefer planting tree crops to be self-reliant, to increase their production and to diversify by producing fruits, honey, nuts, essential oils and browse. Many farmers consume most tree products rather than sell them.

In agrosilvopastoral systems in the semi-arids of Kenya, trees are important as a source of fodder for raising livestock and for producing fruits, edible leaves, medicine, firewood and charcoal.