Agro-biodiversity & Resilient Farming: Build Robust Ecosystems

Introduction:

Agro-Biodiversity and Resilient Farming Systems empowers farmers, agricultural professionals, and researchers to enhance agricultural resilience through biodiversity. This course focuses on understanding the ecological principles of agro-biodiversity, implementing diverse farming practices, and building robust ecosystems that withstand environmental stresses. Participants will learn to integrate diverse crops, livestock, and beneficial organisms for sustainable production. By mastering agro-biodiversity, professionals can enhance food security, improve ecosystem services, and create resilient farming systems.

Target Audience:

• Farmers and agricultural producers
• Agricultural extension officers and advisors
• Agricultural researchers and scientists
• Environmental consultants and NGOs
• Policymakers and government officials
• Sustainability officers
• Land managers and conservationists
• Rural development practitioners
• Seed savers and breeders
• Agroecology practitioners
• Climate change adaptation specialists
• Food security analysts
• Students and enthusiasts of sustainable agriculture

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of agro-biodiversity.
• Implement strategies for enhancing crop diversity in farming systems.
• Utilize livestock diversity for resilient agricultural production.
• Understand the role of beneficial organisms in agro-biodiversity.
• Implement techniques for managing and conserving genetic resources.
• Analyze the impact of agro-biodiversity on ecosystem services.
• Develop strategies for integrating traditional knowledge into agro-biodiversity management.
• Understand the role of agro-biodiversity in climate change adaptation.
• Implement techniques for monitoring and evaluating agro-biodiversity.
• Understand the role of seed systems in agro-biodiversity conservation.
• Develop strategies for promoting and scaling up agro-biodiversity practices.
• Understand the economic benefits and market opportunities for agro-biodiversity products.
• Develop strategies for building resilient farming systems through agro-biodiversity.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Agro-Biodiversity

• Principles and importance of agro-biodiversity.
• Understanding ecological functions of biodiversity in agriculture.
• Benefits of diverse agroecosystems.
• Historical context and evolution of agro-biodiversity.

Module 2: Enhancing Crop Diversity

• Strategies for diversifying cropping systems.
• Implementing intercropping and polycultures.
• Utilizing crop rotations and successions.
• Selecting diverse crop varieties and landraces.

Module 3: Livestock Diversity for Resilience

• Role of livestock diversity in agroecosystems.
• Integrating different livestock species and breeds.
• Managing livestock for ecosystem services.
• Utilizing traditional livestock management practices.

Module 4: Beneficial Organisms in Agro-Biodiversity

• Understanding the role of pollinators and predators.
• Enhancing soil microbial diversity.
• Utilizing biological control agents.
• Creating habitats for beneficial organisms.

Module 5: Genetic Resources Management and Conservation

• Techniques for conserving crop and livestock genetic resources.
• Implementing on-farm conservation strategies.
• Managing seed banks and gene banks.
• Utilizing participatory plant breeding.

Module 6: Ecosystem Services from Agro-Biodiversity

• Analyzing the impact of biodiversity on soil fertility.
• Enhancing water regulation and purification.
• Promoting pest and disease regulation.
• Supporting pollination and carbon sequestration.

Module 7: Integrating Traditional Knowledge

• Understanding the role of indigenous knowledge in agro-biodiversity.
• Utilizing traditional farming practices.
• Integrating local ecological knowledge.
• Promoting participatory research and knowledge sharing.

Module 8: Agro-Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation

• Building climate resilience through diverse agroecosystems.
• Utilizing climate-adapted crop and livestock varieties.
• Enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate extremes.
• Promoting carbon sequestration and reducing emissions.

Module 9: Monitoring and Evaluation of Agro-Biodiversity

• Techniques for assessing biodiversity in agroecosystems.
• Monitoring ecological and economic indicators.
• Utilizing participatory monitoring methods.
• Evaluating the impact of agro-biodiversity practices.

Module 10: Seed Systems and Agro-Biodiversity Conservation

• Understanding the role of seed systems in biodiversity.
• Implementing community seed banks and seed saving initiatives.
• Promoting farmer-managed seed systems.
• Utilizing participatory variety selection.

Module 11: Promoting and Scaling Up Agro-Biodiversity

• Developing communication and extension strategies.
• Building farmer networks and knowledge sharing platforms.
• Implementing participatory approaches.
• Scaling up successful agro-biodiversity models.

Module 12: Economics of Agro-Biodiversity

• Analyzing the economic benefits of diverse agroecosystems.
• Identifying market opportunities for agro-biodiversity products.
• Developing business models for agro-biodiversity enterprises.
• Accessing financing and investment.

Module 13: Building Resilient Farming Systems

• Integrating diverse components for system resilience.
• Implementing adaptive management strategies.
• Building social and ecological resilience.
• Utilizing holistic approaches to farming systems.

Module 14: Case Studies: Successful Agro-Biodiversity Implementations

• Analyzing real-world examples of diverse agroecosystems.
• Highlighting best practices and innovative techniques.
• Documenting ecological and economic impacts.
• Farmer testimonials and field visits.

Module 15: The Future of Agro-Biodiversity

• Exploring emerging trends and innovations.
• Integrating new technologies and research findings.
• Adapting to evolving environmental and market conditions.
• Building sustainable and resilient food systems through agro-biodiversity.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.