Sending Farmers Back to School: The Impact of Farmer Field Schools in Indonesia

41 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

See all articles by Gershon Feder

Gershon Feder

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Rinku Murgai

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG)

Jaime Quizon

World Bank - Development Economics Group (DEC)

Date Written: April 9, 2003

Abstract

Feder, Murgai, and Quizon evaluate the impact of farmer field schools, an intensive participatory training program emphasizing integrated pest management. Their evaluation focuses on whether participation in the program has improved yields and reduced pesticide use among graduates and their neighbors who may have gained knowledge from graduates through informal communications. The authors use panel data covering the period 1991-99 in Indonesia. Their analysis, employing a modified "difference-in-differences" model, indicates that the program did not have significant effects on the performance of graduates and their neighbors. The authors discuss several plausible explanations for this outcome and suggest recommendations for improvements.

This paper - a product of Rural Development, Development Research Group - is part of a larger effort in the group to analyze the impact of extension and education approaches.

Suggested Citation

Feder, Gershon and Murgai, Rinku and Quizon, Jaime, Sending Farmers Back to School: The Impact of Farmer Field Schools in Indonesia (April 9, 2003). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=636384

Gershon Feder (Contact Author)

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) ( email )

1818 H. Street, N.W.
MSN3-311
Washington, DC 20433
United States

HOME PAGE: http://econ.worldbank.org/staff/gfeder

Rinku Murgai

World Bank - Development Research Group (DECRG) ( email )

1818 H. Street, N.W.
MSN3-311
Washington, DC 20433
United States

Jaime Quizon

World Bank - Development Economics Group (DEC) ( email )

1818 H Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20433
United States