Are farmers field schools an appropriate extension tool for Integrated Pest Management ? : the case of rice farmers in Indonesia

Integrated pest management, a cropping production practice that provides for a healthier crop, less human health problems and better environment based on the use of alternative pest control methods, observation and rational use of pesticides, is a knowledge intensive technique. Indonesia implemented a state policy to promote the use of this technique, specially in rice. One of its components was the training of farmers. Farmes Field Schools, a participatory approach to learning, was the method chosen for the training. After several years, it is observed that Farmers Field Schools were very successful in sharing the IPM principles with the farmers participating in the program, but that they had a low impact on the other farmers