Comparative Assessment of Food Security Interventions in Senegalese Smallholder Farmers: Farmer Field Schools and Market Access Impacts in Democratic Republic of Congo

This study examines the effectiveness of food security interventions in two distinct geographical contexts: Senegalese smallholder farmers and their Congolese counterparts. A comparative study approach was employed, involving qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify common themes across both countries. FFS programmes showed a significant improvement in farmers' knowledge about sustainable agricultural practices, leading to higher yields by an average of 20% compared to baseline measures. Market access interventions had varying impacts; while they significantly increased income for some farmers, others faced challenges related to market volatility and distance. While FFS provided valuable training and knowledge transfer, market access programmes required tailored strategies to address specific local conditions and economic realities. Future research should focus on developing more comprehensive support systems that integrate both FFS and market access components to maximise benefits for smallholder farmers in diverse contexts.