Training Course on Climate Resilient Farming Systems for Agricultural Extension Agents

Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture

ü  Global and regional climate change trends and projections

ü  Impacts on crop yields, water availability, and pest/disease dynamics

ü  Vulnerability assessment of agricultural systems and communities

ü  Role of agriculture in climate change (emissions and sequestration)

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing local climate data to identify specific risks for a target farming community.

Module 2: Principles and Practices of Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA)

ü  Defining Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Climate-Smart Agriculture, and Sustainable Agriculture

ü  Key pillars of CRA: Adaptation, Mitigation, and Productivity

ü  Building resilience at the farm and landscape levels

ü  Participatory approaches to climate resilience planning

ü  Practical Session: Developing a simple climate resilience action plan for a hypothetical smallholder farm.

Module 3: Sustainable Land and Water Management for Climate Resilience

ü  Soil Health Management: Conservation Tillage, Cover Cropping, Organic Matter Enhancement

ü  Water Harvesting and Conservation Techniques (e.g., zai pits, contour farming, rainwater harvesting)

ü  Efficient Irrigation Methods (drip, sprinkler) and Water-Use Efficiency

ü  Integrated Watershed Management for Agricultural Resilience

ü  Practical Session: Designing a small-scale water harvesting system for a dryland farming context.

Module 4: Climate-Smart Crop Production and Variety Selection

ü  Drought-Tolerant and Flood-Tolerant Crop Varieties

ü  Heat-Tolerant Varieties and Early Maturing Crops

ü  Diversification of Cropping Systems (Intercropping, Crop Rotation)

ü  Integrated Nutrient Management and Efficient Fertilizer Use

ü  Practical Session: Evaluating different crop varieties for their suitability to changing climatic conditions in a specific region.

Module 5: Climate-Smart Livestock Management and Integrated Systems

ü  Impacts of Climate Change on Livestock Production

ü  Heat Stress Management for Livestock

ü  Improved Forage Management and Fodder Conservation

ü  Sustainable Livestock Breeding and Health Management

ü  Practical Session: Discussing strategies for managing heat stress in dairy cows during prolonged dry spells.

Module 6: Agroforestry, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services

ü  Principles of Agroforestry: Benefits for Soil, Water, and Microclimate

ü  Selection of Multi-Purpose Tree Species for Agroforestry Systems

ü  Conserving Agricultural Biodiversity (e.g., traditional varieties, beneficial insects)

ü  Enhancing Ecosystem Services (pollination, pest control)

ü  Practical Session: Designing a simple agroforestry layout for a farm, considering tree and crop interactions.

Module 7: Climate Information Services and Early Warning Systems

ü  Sources of Climate Information (Meteorological Agencies, Satellite Data)

ü  Interpreting Weather Forecasts and Climate Outlooks

ü  Developing and Disseminating Early Warning Messages for Farmers

ü  Using Climate Information for Planting Decisions and Risk Management

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing a seasonal climate outlook bulletin and translating it into practical advice for farmers.

Module 8: Financial Mechanisms and Value Chains for Climate Resilience

ü  Accessing Climate Finance for Smallholder Farmers (e.g., grants, microfinance)

ü  Crop Insurance and Risk Transfer Mechanisms

ü  Developing Resilient Agricultural Value Chains

ü  Market Access and Diversification for Climate-Resilient Products

ü  Practical Session: Identifying potential funding sources for climate-resilient agriculture initiatives in a given region.

Module 9: Communication, Extension, and Behavioral Change for CRA Adoption

ü  Effective Communication Strategies for Agricultural Extension Agents

ü  Participatory Extension Approaches and Farmer Field Schools

ü  Understanding Behavioral Change Theories relevant to CRA Adoption

ü  Building Farmer Capacity and Peer-to-Peer Learning Networks

ü  Practical Session: Role-playing an extension agent advising a farmer on adopting a new climate-resilient practice.

Module 10: Policy, Governance, and Future Directions in Climate-Resilient Farming

ü  National and International Policies Supporting Climate Adaptation in Agriculture

ü  Role of Local Governance in Promoting CRA

ü  Research and Development Priorities for Climate-Resilient Farming

ü  Emerging Technologies (e.g., digital agriculture, biotech) and their role in CRA

ü  Practical Session: Discussing how national climate change policies can support or hinder local climate-resilient farming efforts.

About Our Trainers

Our trainers are highly experienced agricultural development specialists, agronomists, and climate change adaptation experts with extensive practical experience in climate-resilient farming systems. They have worked directly with farming communities, led agricultural extension programs, and contributed to climate change adaptation strategies at national and regional levels. Many hold advanced degrees in agriculture, environmental science, or rural development, and have a deep understanding of both the scientific principles and the socio-economic realities of farming. Their hands-on experience and ability to facilitate participatory learning ensure that participants receive relevant, actionable, and context-specific training.

Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering high-quality training programs that provide tangible value to our participants and their organizations. Our courses are meticulously designed, continuously updated with the latest scientific research, technological innovations, and policy developments in climate-resilient agriculture, and delivered by expert trainers. We strive to create an interactive and supportive learning environment that fosters knowledge acquisition, skill development, and professional growth.

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program for you. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Pick-up

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202