Introduction

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) integrates strategies to increase agricultural productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This course provides participants with the skills and knowledge to implement CSA practices, helping them contribute to food security while responding to climate-related risks. Through interactive sessions, hands-on exercises, and case studies, participants will learn how to adapt their practices to a changing climate.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles and goals of CSA and its relevance in today’s agricultural landscape.
2. Gain knowledge of climate risks and adaptive strategies for farming.
3. Learn about greenhouse gas mitigation techniques in agriculture.
4. Develop skills to create and implement CSA plans in various agricultural contexts.
5. Build resilience within agricultural systems, promoting sustainable practices for climate adaptation.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Farmers, agricultural managers, and extension officers looking to adapt to climate change.
• Agronomists, environmental scientists, and climate specialists.
• Policymakers and advisors in agriculture and climate adaptation.
• Educators, researchers, and students interested in climate-smart agriculture.
• Anyone in the agriculture sector seeking sustainable and resilient strategies for the future.

Day 1: Introduction to Climate-Smart Agriculture and Climate Risks

Overview:
The first day introduces the concept of CSA, focusing on climate risks in agriculture and strategies for resilience. Participants will explore global challenges and the importance of CSA in adapting to climate change.

• Session 1: Understanding Climate-Smart Agriculture: Principles, Goals, and Importance
• Session 2: Climate Change and Agriculture: Risks, Vulnerabilities, and Impacts
• Session 3: CSA Pillars: Productivity, Adaptation, and Mitigation
• Session 4: Workshop: Assessing Climate Risks in Different Agricultural Systems

Key Takeaways:

• Foundational knowledge of CSA principles.
• Insight into climate risks specific to agriculture.
• Practical skills for assessing climate vulnerabilities.

Day 2: Soil Health and Water Management in a Climate-Smart Context

Overview:
Day two focuses on soil and water management techniques that enhance resilience to climate change. Participants will learn to maintain soil health and manage water resources efficiently.

• Session 1: Soil Health as a Foundation for Resilient Agriculture
• Session 2: Water-Saving Techniques: Efficient Irrigation and Conservation Practices
• Session 3: Drought-Resistant Practices: Mulching, Cover Crops, and Organic Matter
• Session 4: Field Exercise: Developing a Water and Soil Management Plan

Key Takeaways:

• Knowledge of climate-smart soil and water management techniques.
• Skills to create drought-resistant and water-efficient strategies.
• Experience in designing sustainable soil and water plans.

Day 3: Crop Diversification and Adaptive Farming Practices

Overview:
This day covers crop diversification and adaptive practices that increase resilience to climate change. Participants will explore agroforestry, crop rotation, and polyculture as adaptive strategies.

• Session 1: Crop Diversification: Rotations, Polyculture, and Resilient Varieties
• Session 2: Agroforestry and Integrating Trees into Farms for Climate Resilience
• Session 3: Seasonal Planning and Risk Management for Extreme Weather
• Session 4: Workshop: Designing a Crop Diversification Strategy

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for crop diversification and agroforestry.
• Strategies for weather-related risk management.
• Practical skills in planning crop diversity for resilience.

Day 4: Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Sustainable Practices

Overview:
Day four focuses on mitigation techniques to reduce greenhouse gases from agricultural practices. Participants will learn about carbon sequestration, low-emission livestock management, and energy-efficient practices.

• Session 1: Carbon Sequestration: Soil Carbon, Cover Crops, and Trees
• Session 2: Sustainable Livestock Management for GHG Reduction
• Session 3: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Agriculture
• Session 4: Workshop: Developing a Low-Carbon CSA Plan

Key Takeaways:

• Knowledge of GHG mitigation strategies in agriculture.
• Techniques for reducing emissions from crops and livestock.
• Skills to implement renewable energy solutions.

Day 5: Developing a Climate-Smart Agriculture Plan

Overview:
The final day is dedicated to designing a comprehensive CSA plan. Participants will integrate all elements of the course to create an actionable plan tailored to their specific agricultural context.

• Session 1: Integrating CSA Strategies into Farm Management
• Session 2: Policy and Financial Incentives for CSA Adoption
• Session 3: Final Workshop: Creating a CSA Action Plan
• Session 4: Presentation and Peer Review of CSA Plans

Key Takeaways:

• An actionable, tailored CSA plan.
• Awareness of policy and funding opportunities for CSA.
• Peer feedback on CSA implementation strategies.