Farmers of the Fergana Valley are testing climate change adaptation solutions in the field

Farmers of the Fergana Valley put climate change adaptation solutions into practice

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened three Farmer Field Schools in the Fergana Valley to strengthen the practical knowledge and skills of farmers and smallholders in sustainable agricultural production under climate change conditions.

The Farmer Field Schools operate in the Kurgantepa district of the Andijan region, the Namangan district of the Namangan region, and the Fergana district of the Fergana region. Each of them is organized taking into account the needs of local producers and the agricultural specialization of the specific area. In the Andijan region, the training is dedicated to potato cultivation, the school in the Namangan region focuses on resource-saving greenhouse management, and the practical classes in the Fergana region are aimed at developing raspberry cultivation.

The initiative is carried out within the framework of the regional project "South-South and Triangular Cooperation for Sustainable Agriculture Development in the Fergana Valley" (UNUN/SEC/028/UND), implemented by the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan jointly with the Tashkent State Agrarian University. The project unites the regions of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan located in the Fergana Valley.

In the Farmer Field Schools, participants do not just get acquainted with ready-made recommendations. Throughout the agricultural season, they directly observe crops in the field, analyze emerging problems together with specialists, test different solutions, and learn to make decisions independently based on the results obtained. This format helps to adapt theoretical knowledge to local soil, climatic, and production conditions.

"The main advantage of the Farmer Field School is that the farmer here becomes not just a listener, but an active participant in the learning process. He observes the crop, analyzes the causes of problems, tests solutions, and chooses the most suitable option for his farm. This contributes to a faster application of new knowledge in practice," noted project coordinator Mukhammadzhon Kosimov.

In the Farmer Field School of the Kurgantepa district, participants studied issues of potato nutrition and care, soil tillage, observation of plant growth stages, as well as integrated pest and disease management. During the classes, farmers also discussed the problems they face in their own fields. In particular, cases of insufficient germination of individual seed potato tubers were considered, possible causes were analyzed, and recommendations for further agrotechnical measures were presented.

"Previously, when a problem arose with crops, we often took measures without knowing its exact cause. In the field school, we learn to observe the condition of plants, analyze soil conditions and nutrition, and only then make a decision. Most importantly, we can test recommendations on our own plots and directly see the results," said Z. Saidaliev, chairman of the "Navbakhor" mahalla citizens' assembly in the Kurgantepa district.

In the Farmer Field School organized in the "Beshkapa" mahalla of the Namangan district, participants studied the preparation of greenhouses and hotbeds for seasonal planting, soil requirements, disinfection, and proper crop placement. Special attention was paid to regular observation and recording of important indicators such as air and soil temperature, as well as humidity levels. This data helps producers rationally use water, fertilizers, and other resources and make timely decisions on crop care.

The classes held in the AL-VODILIY raspberry cluster in the "Sanoat" mahalla of the Fergana district covered the main stages of raspberry cultivation. Participants received practical recommendations on determining plant nutrient requirements, proper fertilizer application, bush shaping and pruning, as well as regular monitoring of diseases and pests. Specialists also explained the principles of combining biological, physical, and chemical pest control methods.

Training in Farmer Field Schools is not limited to one-off classes. During the period from sowing to harvesting — within the "from seed to seed" approach — participants continue to observe crops, record changes, compare results, and test new methods. This process also creates a platform for regular exchange of experience between farmers, scientists, and agricultural specialists.

This approach helps farmers better prepare for risks associated with climate change, efficiently use land, water, and other production resources, and choose solutions that suit local conditions. The practical experience gained in the Farmer Field Schools can contribute to the wider adoption of climate-adapted and sustainable agricultural practices in other areas of the Fergana Valley.