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Farmer-to-Farmer – What’s the 411

Early Career Development

Jonathan Moyle
Extension Specialist, Poultry
University of Maryland Extension
Salisbury

Abstract

The John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program (F2F), is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and provides technical assistance to farmers and other agricultural related groups in developing countries.  While the program is funded by USAID, it is implemented by several different organizations that recruit individuals with experience in agriculture to volunteer for assignments that support development in the targeted areas.  Its main objectives are to increase agricultural sector productivity and profitability, to improve conservation and sustainable use of environmental and natural resources, to expand agricultural sector access to financial services and to strengthen agricultural sector institutions.  As an extension agent, you possess many of the skills required to be a successful volunteer.  Assignments can be either in-person or virtual and usually last for two to three weeks.  While most volunteers use annual leave, many universities see the value in the F2F program and allow agents to go as part of their professional development.  The benefits of participating in a F2F assignment include a better understanding of challenges faced by developing communities, learning to present educational materials to those with limited literacy and varying education levels, adapting to challenging situations and learning to use “what’s on hand,” working with individuals who have access to limited resources, learning how to work with other cultures and climates, and experience working with audiences who may not speak English, or English might be second language.  The benefits of working on a F2F assignment far outweigh the time commitment, while helping you become a better extension agent.  The teaching and communication skills learned during a F2F assignment help us better serve our clients.

Authors: Jonathan Moyle, Maegan Perdue, Jennifer Rhodes, Darren Jarboe
  1. Jonathan Moyle Senior Extension Specialist, Poultry, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21801-8437
  2. Maegan Perdue Senior Agent Associate- Agriculture, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21963
  3. Jennifer Rhodes Principal Agent, Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21617
  4. Darren Jarboe Principal Agent & Assistant Director, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 20742