b|u|s goes international since 2006

In the African context, b|u|s training was first conceived and implemented in 2006 in the West African country of Burkina Faso. Since then, training courses have been successfully delivered in many different African countries and in many languages. In recent years, AHA has trained various groups of people (consultants, lead farmers, rural youth, FO managers etc.) to become b|u|s trainers. Since 2015, in Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Kenya and India, AHA has been ensuring the sustainability of the training programme working together in partnership with organised agricultural institutions, strengthening them to act as multipliers and long-term administrators. This strategic approach relates specifically to agricultural organisations such as farmers’ organisations (FOs) that provide training to their members as a paid service. The AHA’s main goal is to strengthen partner organisations so that they can develop their ability internally to implement b|u|s training courses sustainably and independently. By promoting self-reliance in partner countries, AHA aims to achieve a lasting impact as well as adequate dissemination of b|u|s training courses.

The so-called Training of Trainers (ToT) is conducted by experienced African Master Trainers in many African countries in the respective national languages. In selected countries, German Master Trainers also deliver this programme in English.

Since 2007, over 20,000 participants have already been successfully trained. Currently, more than 100 active b|u|s trainers are active in AHA partner countries and today eight African master trainers and German master trainers are active in several African countries.

By participating in the training courses, participants increase their personal responsibility and self-efficacy; moreover, they increasingly develop ideas that they can set into motion in their context in a goal-oriented way. They are building the intrinsic energy with which they can master the next steps under their own responsibility

The impact of b|u|s training is illustrated by the participants below:

Abeba Wolde. She is 42 years young and mother of five children. Abeba is a member of Boru-Chilalo seed cooperative in Ethiopia, where she lives with her husband. Together they own one hectare of land on which they grow wheat, faba beans and barley.

“We women work just as much as the men. The b|u|s training has encouraged me to speak up and take responsibility. I want to get better and encourage other women to join the cooperative. For my children, I want a better future and educational opportunities.”

Waliu Aliye. This 38-year-old mother of five is a gender officer and agricultural expert at the West Arsi Zonal Agriculture Office, in Ethiopia. She cherishes the wish that more women will participate in the b|u|s training in the future.

“Some women were very shy at the beginning. After the AHA training, they were transformed and eager to share their experiences. It is important that we support even more women in agriculture. Also because they have a more conscious approach to the environment.”

Jewaro Bedasso. The 55-year-old is manager of the Kechama seed cooperative in Ethiopia and took part in b|u|s training as well as AHA training in accounting.

“The training has changed our thinking. We have a clear goal, we establish contacts with partners and plan and document everything precisely. The training has also given me more confidence and changed me and my family. The more people who receive the training, the more we can fight their poverty and increase their productivity.”