The “Leveraging Leader Farmers for Effective Extension Services” initiative in Sri Lanka, part of the “Resilient and Gender Inclusive Enterprise (RIES) System Development” project supported by DFAT, strategically trains and deploys 30 Leader Farmers (LFs) across Moneragala, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya districts. These LFs, selected based on their agricultural expertise and leadership qualities, play a pivotal role in disseminating advanced dairy husbandry practices to over 300 satellite farmers. 

The initiative began with comprehensive training sessions for LFs, equipping them with essential skills in dairy management. These trained LFs then engage satellite farmers through regular group discussions and hands-on training sessions, focusing on improving productivity and sustainability in dairy farming. This peer-to-peer knowledge sharing approach has proven highly effective, resulting in increased adoption of improved agricultural practices among satellite farmers. 

Initially piloted in Uva and Central provinces, the initiative garnered positive feedback and endorsement from the Department of Animal Production and Health of Sri Lanka. Recognizing its impact, the department has committed to scaling up the model nationwide, acknowledging its potential to transform agricultural extension services and uplift rural communities across Sri Lanka.