Family Farming Schools Network (Ecoles Familiales Agricoles - EFA)
Context and ConsiderationsCôte d’Ivoire’s rural regions are currently impoverishing due to their low production
yields and the lack of esteem which farming professions hold among the population.
Furthermore, the political crisis raging since 2002 obstructs most prospects of
economical recovery. The rural exodus among local young people is therefore
significant.
Solution Proposed
Since 1997, the IECD has been supporting the PEFACI’s (The Platform of Family Farming
Schools in Côte d’Ivoire) projects in order to promote development activities. This is done
in partnership with local associations; the organization supports the Family Farming Schools
(EFA) which offer technical qualifications to the rural youths. The trainings are provided
over a three-year period and are mostly aimed at young, illiterate people (60% of whom
are girls) and adults (80% of whom are women). They try to harmonize traditional farming
methods and innovative modern techniques. The aim is to form rural entrepreneurs who will
be able to adapt to the new agricultural conditions in Côte d’Ivoire.
Impact and ResultsIn 2009, the EFA network numbers 41 schools, with a total of 1200 registered
students (often young people and their parents). 68 former students are being
monitored by the PEFACI as they are launching their own economic initiatives.
The PEFACI and the IECD are building a more advanced technical and professional
training centre for former EFA students who wish to pursue their studies and improve
their know-how. The Centre will be opened in September 2010 and it will offer a two-year
training program intended to reinforce the professional integration of rural youths. It also
wants to support the entrepreneurs in developing new projects. Furthermore, the PEFACI
is still pursuing measures in order to get the EFA training officially recognized by the
Ministry of Professional Training in Yamoussoukro.
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Côte d'Ivoire
The IECD has been located in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire since 1997, date of opening its local delegation in the country and of launching its network of Family Farm Schools (Ecoles Familiales Agricoles - EFA)
