Drought-resistant & Climate-adaptive Crops: Secure Food In A Changing Climate

Introduction:

Drought-Resistant and Climate-Adaptive Crops equips farmers, researchers, and policymakers with the knowledge and skills to enhance food security in a changing climate. This course focuses on understanding the genetic potential of climate-resilient crops, implementing breeding techniques, and optimizing cultivation practices for drought-prone regions. Participants will learn to select, manage, and promote crops that thrive under stress. By mastering climate-adaptive agriculture, professionals can build resilient food systems and support sustainable livelihoods.

Target Audience:

• Farmers and agricultural producers
• Plant breeders and geneticists
• Agricultural researchers and scientists
• Agricultural extension officers and advisors
• Seed producers and distributors
• Crop consultants and agronomists
• Policymakers and government officials
• Environmental consultants and NGOs
• Rural development practitioners
• Food security analysts
• Climate change adaptation specialists
• Sustainability officers
• Students and enthusiasts of sustainable agriculture

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of drought-resistant and climate-adaptive crops.
• Implement techniques for identifying and selecting climate-resilient crop varieties.
• Understand the genetic basis of drought tolerance and climate adaptation.
• Implement techniques for breeding and developing climate-adaptive crops.
• Understand the role of traditional knowledge in identifying climate-resilient crops.
• Implement techniques for optimizing cultivation practices in drought-prone regions.
• Understand the role of soil and water management in enhancing crop resilience.
• Implement techniques for managing pests and diseases in climate-stressed environments.
• Understand the role of seed systems in promoting climate-adaptive crops.
• Implement techniques for assessing crop performance under climate stress.
• Understand the role of policy and incentives in promoting climate-adaptive agriculture.
• Understand the economic benefits and market opportunities for climate-resilient crops.
• Develop strategies for promoting and scaling up the adoption of drought-resistant and climate-adaptive crops.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Foundations of Climate-Adaptive Agriculture

• Principles and benefits of resilient crop systems.
• Understanding the impact of climate change on agriculture.
• Benefits of utilizing drought-resistant varieties.
• Historical adaptation and modern breeding.

Module 2: Identifying Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties

• Techniques for assessing crop tolerance to drought and heat.
• Utilizing screening trials and field evaluations.
• Identifying key traits for climate adaptation.
• Managing germplasm collections and gene banks.

Module 3: Genetic Basis of Drought Tolerance

• Understanding the genetic mechanisms of stress tolerance.
• Utilizing molecular markers and genomics.
• Implementing genetic mapping and QTL analysis.
• Managing genetic resources for breeding programs.

Module 4: Breeding Climate-Adaptive Crops

• Techniques for developing new varieties through breeding.
• Implementing participatory plant breeding.
• Utilizing conventional and advanced breeding methods.
• Managing breeding populations and selection processes.

Module 5: Traditional Knowledge and Climate Resilience

• Understanding the role of indigenous knowledge in crop selection.
• Utilizing traditional farming practices and seed systems.
• Integrating local knowledge into breeding programs.
• Benefits of farmer participation and collaboration.

Module 6: Optimizing Cultivation in Drought-Prone Regions

• Techniques for managing soil moisture and water use.
• Implementing conservation tillage and mulching.
• Utilizing efficient irrigation and water harvesting.
• Benefits of site-specific management.

Module 7: Soil and Water Management for Crop Resilience

• Techniques for enhancing soil organic matter and water holding capacity.
• Implementing soil fertility management and nutrient cycling.
• Utilizing water-efficient irrigation and drainage systems.
• Benefits of integrated soil and water management.

Module 8: Pest and Disease Management in Stressed Environments

• Techniques for managing pests and diseases under drought stress.
• Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Utilizing disease-resistant varieties and biological control.
• Benefits of minimizing chemical inputs.

Module 9: Seed Systems for Climate-Adaptive Crops

• Techniques for managing seed production and distribution.
• Implementing community seed banks and seed saving initiatives.
• Utilizing farmer-managed seed systems.
• Benefits of local seed availability and access.

Module 10: Assessing Crop Performance Under Stress

• Techniques for monitoring crop growth and yield.
• Implementing physiological and biochemical assessments.
• Utilizing remote sensing and data analysis.
• Benefits of performance evaluation and monitoring.

Module 11: Policy and Incentives for Climate-Adaptive Agriculture

• Understanding policy frameworks for climate change adaptation.
• Implementing incentive programs for farmers.
• Utilizing extension services and knowledge dissemination.
• Benefits of supportive policy environments.

Module 12: Economics of Climate-Resilient Crops

• Analyzing the economic benefits of climate-adaptive varieties.
• Evaluating the costs and returns of improved practices.
• Identifying market opportunities for stress-tolerant crops.
• Benefits of enhancing farm profitability.

Module 13: Promoting and Scaling Up Adoption

• Developing communication and extension strategies.
• Building farmer networks and knowledge sharing platforms.
• Implementing training programs for climate-adaptive agriculture skills.
• Scaling up successful crop adoption models.

Module 14: Case Studies: Successful Climate-Adaptive Farms

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

Module 15: The Future of Climate-Adaptive Crops

• Exploring emerging trends and innovations.
• Integrating new technologies and research findings.
• Adapting to evolving climate scenarios and market demands.
• Building resilient and sustainable food systems through climate adaptation.

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.