Introduction
Drought is an increasingly pervasive threat to agricultural systems worldwide, intensified by the impacts of climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. Farmers and agricultural professionals are on the front lines of this challenge, requiring innovative strategies and practices to ensure food security and maintain livelihoods in vulnerable regions. Building drought resilience in agricultural landscapes is not just an option, but a necessity for long-term sustainability. This requires a deep understanding of climate-smart agriculture techniques, effective water management strategies, and the adoption of drought-tolerant crops and farming systems.
This comprehensive training course is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to develop and implement drought-resilient farming systems. By focusing on proactive measures, risk assessment, and the integration of innovative technologies, this program empowers agricultural stakeholders to adapt to water scarcity, mitigate the impacts of drought, and build more robust and sustainable agricultural operations capable of thriving even in challenging climatic conditions.
Target Audience
- Farmers and farm managers in drought-prone regions
- Agricultural extension officers and advisors
- Policymakers and government officials in agricultural and environmental sectors
- Researchers and academics focusing on climate change and agriculture
- NGO and development professionals working in rural and agricultural development
- Agronomists and soil scientists
- Students and educators in agricultural sciences
Course Objectives
- Understand the science of drought and its increasing impact on global and local agricultural systems.
- Identify and assess the vulnerability of different farming systems to drought conditions.
- Learn and apply effective soil moisture management techniques for improved water retention.
- Explore and implement various water harvesting and conservation methods suitable for drought-prone areas.
- Gain knowledge of drought-tolerant crop varieties and strategies for crop diversification.
- Develop and utilize early warning systems and climate information for proactive drought preparedness.
- Formulate and implement risk management plans to mitigate the economic and social impacts of drought on farms.
- Understand the role of policy and institutional support in fostering drought resilience in the agricultural sector.
DURATION
5 Days
Course Content
Module: Understanding Drought and Its Agricultural Impacts
- Defining meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological drought.
- Analyzing the causes and frequency of drought in vulnerable regions.
- Assessing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of drought on farming communities.
- Exploring the link between climate change and increasing drought severity.
- Case studies of drought impacts on diverse agricultural systems; this module provides foundational knowledge.
Module: Soil Health and Moisture Management
- Principles of healthy soils for enhanced water infiltration and storage.
- Techniques for improving soil organic matter content.
- Conservation tillage and its role in soil moisture conservation; this module covers practical soil techniques.
- Managing soil cover through mulching and cover cropping.
- Measuring and monitoring soil moisture levels.
Module: Water Harvesting and Conservation Techniques
- Implementing on-farm rainwater harvesting structures (e.g., bunds, terraces).
- Designing and managing small-scale irrigation systems for efficient water use.
- Utilizing drought-tolerant irrigation methods like drip irrigation; this module focuses on water infrastructure.
- Exploring methods for reducing water loss through evaporation and runoff.
- Community-based approaches to water resource management; this module highlights collective action.
Module: Drought-Tolerant Crops and Cropping Systems
- Identifying and selecting crop varieties with inherent drought tolerance.
- Strategies for diversifying crops to spread drought risk.
- Integrating traditional knowledge of drought-resilient crops; this module explores crop choices.
- Implementing agroforestry systems for enhanced resilience.
- Managing crop rotations and intercropping in drought-prone conditions; this module discusses system design.
Module: Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices for Drought Resilience
- Understanding the pillars of climate-smart agriculture: productivity, adaptation, mitigation.
- Applying climate-smart practices to enhance drought resilience.
- Utilizing climate information services for decision-making; this module links climate data to farming.
- Integrating livestock management for drought adaptation.
- Exploring the role of technology in climate-smart drought response; this module covers modern tools.
Module: Drought Risk Management and Early Warning Systems
- Assessing and mapping drought risks at the farm and regional levels.
- Developing drought preparedness plans.
- Understanding and utilizing early warning systems for drought; this module focuses on forecasting.
- Implementing drought emergency response measures.
- Strategies for post-drought recovery and rehabilitation; this module addresses the full cycle.
Module: Policy and Institutional Support for Drought Resilience
- Analyzing agricultural policies that support or hinder drought resilience.
- Exploring the role of government and institutions in providing drought support.
- Accessing financial tools and insurance for drought risk transfer; this module covers economic aspects.
- Strengthening farmer organizations and community networks for collective action.
- Advocating for policies that promote drought-resilient agriculture; this module addresses systemic change.
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 7 working days before commencement of the training.
