The CESA is a methodology used for making structured observations in the field. It is the FFS’s core activity and their activities are designed to support it. It comprises of various groups of people who enter FFS fields to observe the general conditions such as sample plants, collect insects and make notes. The participants were divided into various groups and they all went into the field accompanied by a facilitator to conduct the Crop Ecosystem Analysis (CESA).

After observing the groups returned to the meeting site to write the information they have collected from the field so that they can analyze the situation themselves. Where as the facilitator goes from group to group helping the farmers to answer questions about their data.

Farmers analyzing plant information on charts

The members of each group involved in the activity jot down the information on a chart paper. The chart includes drawings, tables and other important elements such as pests, whether conditions, plants, weeds, water etc. Then the group leader / representative presents the information to members of other groups involved in the activity. This generates discussions and argumentation among the farmers.