A new learning opportunity is now available on the FAO E-Learning Academy with the launch of Farm Business School Forward (FBS Forward), an innovative capacity development package designed to support small-scale farmers and rural producers in strengthening their farm businesses and improving market opportunities.
At the heart of this initiative is FBS Forward, an innovative capacity development package designed to improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and rural producers by strengthening their ability to manage farm activities in a more profitable, sustainable and market-oriented way.
What is FBS Forward?
FBS Forward builds on decades of experience from the Farm Business School approach and introduces practical principles of farm business management through participatory and inclusive learning methods. The programme supports farmers in making strategic decisions that improve farm profitability, increase resilience and facilitate access to viable markets.
Delivered through groups of farmers meeting regularly under the guidance of trained facilitators, FBS Forward promotes peer learning, practical exercises and real-life scenarios that value and build upon the existing knowledge and skills of rural communities.
The approach also places strong emphasis on:
- inclusion and gender equality;
- innovation and sustainability;
- collective action and cooperation;
- long-term rural development.
Who is FBS Forward for?
The package is specifically designed for facilitators working with farmers and rural communities within development projects, cooperatives, rural institutions and farmer organizations.
Thanks to its flexible structure, FBS Forward can be integrated into existing learning programmes and adapted to the different phases of the farm business cycle, helping farmers strengthen both individual and collective enterprises.
A Comprehensive Learning Package
FBS Forward brings together a complete set of complementary resources that are intended to be used in sequence:
- E-learning modules
- Facilitator Handbook
- Exercise Pack
Together, these resources create a practical and accessible learning journey that supports continuous capacity development and encourages sustainable entrepreneurship in rural areas.
Farmers Markets and Agrifood Systems Transformation
As part of the collaboration within the FAO E-Learning Academy, a dedicated e-learning course on farmers markets and agrifood systems transformation is also available.
The course provides a clear understanding of farmers markets and their role in transforming local agrifood systems. Recognizing that farmers markets are deeply rooted in local food systems, the course translates local-systems thinking into actionable food policies that can help markets start, operate and thrive over time.
Who should attend?
The course is primarily intended for:
- policymakers;
- professionals supporting agrifood systems transformation;
- local and national institutions;
- practitioners working in food security, sustainable markets, rural development, urban planning and agroecology.
Participants will learn about:
- the defining features of farmers markets;
- how farmers markets differ from other territorial markets;
- the contribution of farmers markets to agrifood systems transformation;
- benefits for livelihoods, social inclusion, biodiversity and healthy diets;
- policy challenges and enabling policy solutions for farmers markets.
Course Structure
The online course includes three lessons of approximately 30–40 minutes each:
- Lesson 1: Understanding farmers markets
- Lesson 2: Transforming agrifood systems
- Lesson 3: Creating an enabling policy environment
Participants who complete the course and pass the final exam with a minimum score of 75% will receive a digital certification badge.
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Food Coalition, World Farmers Markets Coalition and institutional partners including Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale to support resilient local food systems, sustainable rural livelihoods and inclusive agrifood transformation worldwide.
