Background/Question/Methods A key issue within global agricultural research and development is the need to positively focus on the sustainable development of small farmers, resource poor farmers and their communities. Though these farmers make up to 80% of the world’s farmers, often they have not had equal access and participation in education, programs and trainings designed to assist large scale producers and agribusiness. Generally, agricultural development and agricultural research and extension strategies have sought out medium and large-scale farmers, thought more successful, innovative, and readily available to adopt the message, technology, and contribute to growth and development. Participatory action research methods were used to identify needs, hindrances and barriers with underserved farming populations and their communities. Participatory capacity building strategies enabled participation, awareness, decision making, possible solutions, and enabled change.
Results/Conclusions Small farmers play an essential role as food providers in their communities and the nation. The FAMU StateWide Small Farm Program is an active participatory multidisciplinary capacity building program developed to assist, equip, and empower underserved farming populations and their communities toward a thriving sustainable development. It is a sustainable development program. A primary focus includes the benefits of organic farming systems and wellbeing strategies, participatory organic farming systems, organic agroecology farm practices, alternative market development, and sustainable living, etc. to enhance small farm sustainability, small farm wellbeing, and quality of life. Participatory capacity building strategies were used to give access, equip, and empower underserved farming populations and their communities; and enable relevant education, training, technical assistance, and resources towards participatory change. This session will provide information on the findings of the participatory action research and impact of participatory organic farming systems on enabling wellbeing, healthy soils, healthy environments, and communities.
