Evaluation of Farmer Field Schools and Their Influence on Agricultural Productivity in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

Farmer Field Schools represent a participatory adult education approach that has been widely adopted as a mechanism for delivering agricultural knowledge and improving on-farm decision making. In Sokoto State, Farmer Field Schools have been implemented across several commodity value chains, yet rigorous evaluation of their productivity impact remains limited. This study evaluated Farmer Field Schools and their influence on agricultural productivity in Sokoto State. A structured questionnaire was administered to 100 farmers, comprising equal proportions of FFS participants and non-participants selected through stratified random sampling across three local government areas. Crop output data and knowledge assessment scores were collected for two seasons. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were used to compare outcomes between groups. Results showed that FFS participants recorded significantly higher knowledge scores on integrated soil fertility management and pest control than non-participants. Mean crop yields were approximately 27 percent higher among FFS graduates, with millet and cowpea showing the largest productivity differentials. Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing within FFS groups was identified as an important multiplier effect. The study recommends expanding FFS coverage in Sokoto State, integrating digital learning tools to enhance session quality, and strengthening linkages between FFS facilitators and the Sokoto State Agricultural Development Programme. Keywords: Farmer Field Schools, agricultural productivity, Sokoto State, participatory extension, knowledge transfer.