Peer Network Training Toolkit - FIC

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Peer Network Training Toolkit

Welcome to the Peer Network Training Toolkit. This toolkit includes webinars, slides, and resources for farmers, landowners, and agricultural service providers interested in launching their own peer-to-peer networks. The resources in this toolkit can be adapted for micro-networks as well as large, multi-faceted networks supported by a group of professional organizations.
Sections
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1. Launching Farmer Peer Networks
2. Tips for Building a Strong Network
3. Mentorship Networks
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Introduction

 

This Toolkit includes webinars, presentation slides, and resources and guides farmers and other agricultural professionals through the process of launching their own Farmer Peer Networks. A Farmer Peer Network is a group of farmers and other agricultural stakeholders that come together to share their farming experiences and lessons learned with the common objective of supporting each other. Peer-to-peer learning has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to support farmers in shifting towards more climate-smart, resilient land use practices. The Toolkit was developed as part of AFT’s Climate Smart Farming initiative. Visit the project page to learn more about AFT and Truterra’s Climate SMART Crops Project. 

Resources and Training Sessions

Launching Farmer Peer Networks

Farmer Peer Networks are one of the most effective ways to encourage the adoption of soil health practices to protect water quality, improve erosion control, and be more resilient to a changing climate. The Farmer Peer Networks two part webinar and companion presentation slide decks walk you through the process of establishing farmer peer networks. Part 1 covers the fundamentals of building a network covering frameworks, outreach, and facilitation tips. Part 2 includes examples of different peer networks and what they have in common. 

Tips for Building a Strong Network

Successful Farmer Peer Networks may take on many forms, but they all have things in common: a leadership structure, goals, outreach events, measurement of impact, and a long-term vision to sustain connection. These resources outline the building blocks for establishing and maintaining a strong peer network. 

Mentorship Networks

Farmer Peer Networks are not Mentorships, but they have similarities. Both networks encourage information sharing and influence farm decision making. AFT created a series of five modules to walk you through the steps of fostering a mentorship relationship or building a mentorship network. 

Related Resources

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