Communities in developing regions are on the front lines of climate change, facing heightened risks from extreme weather, unpredictable seasons, and resource scarcity. These environmental shocks disproportionately impact low-income households and smallholder farmers, threatening their livelihoods and reversing gains in poverty reduction. Traditional microfinance models, while effective in their own right, are not always equipped to address these new and complex climate-related challenges. A new approach is needed, one that integrates climate-smart strategies and products to not only help communities cope with climate change but also to build long-term resilience.

This training course is designed to equip microfinance and development professionals with the knowledge and tools to integrate climate risk into their operations and design innovative, green financial products. Participants will learn how to identify climate vulnerabilities in their client base, develop financial solutions for adaptation and mitigation, and build resilient portfolios. By exploring the critical links between finance, poverty, and climate, you will be prepared to lead initiatives that create both financial and environmental sustainability for your clients and communities.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Microfinance institution (MFI) managers and loan officers
• Development and humanitarian aid professionals
• Climate finance specialists
• Environmental and social risk analysts
• Social entrepreneurs working in the green sector
• Professionals in renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture
• Policy and regulatory advisors
• Project managers for sustainable development
• Researchers in financial inclusion and climate change

Objectives:

• Understand the core linkages between climate change, poverty, and financial services.
• Grasp the concepts of climate adaptation and mitigation within a microfinance context.
• Design and implement a portfolio of green financial products.
• Identify climate-related risks to a microfinance institution and its clients.
• Learn to conduct a climate vulnerability assessment.
• Explore innovative financing models for climate-smart technologies.
• Understand the role of microinsurance in building climate resilience.
• Develop a strategic plan for integrating climate considerations into MFI operations.
• Analyze successful case studies of microfinance for climate resilience.
• Navigate the global landscape of climate finance and green funding.

Module 1: Climate Change and Vulnerability

• The science of climate change and its impacts on communities
• How climate change affects poverty and livelihoods
• Understanding climate-related risks (physical and transition)
• The importance of climate vulnerability assessments
• The role of financial services in a climate-changed world

Module 2: Green Microfinance Products

• Defining green microfinance and its goals
• Designing loans for climate-smart agriculture
• Financing renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Creating products for water conservation and sanitation
• Blending traditional micro-lending with climate goals

Module 3: Financing Climate-Smart Agriculture

• The challenges for smallholder farmers in a changing climate
• Financing new technologies (e.g., drip irrigation, climate-resilient seeds)
• The role of value chain finance in agriculture
• Managing risk in agricultural lending
• Case studies of green agriculture finance

Module 4: Renewable Energy Micro-Lending

• The energy needs of low-income households and businesses
• Financing solar home systems and clean cookstoves
• Building partnerships with green technology providers
• The business case for renewable energy microfinance
• Overcoming barriers to adoption and access

Module 5: Risk Management for Climate Resilience

• Identifying climate-related risks to a microfinance portfolio
• Using climate data and analytics for risk assessment
• The role of microinsurance in managing shocks
• Building a resilient loan portfolio
• Developing a climate-smart risk management policy

Module 6: Microinsurance for Climate Adaptation

• The purpose of insurance in managing climate shocks
• Index-based insurance for farmers and small businesses
• The role of mobile technology in delivering insurance
• Designing products that are affordable and responsive
• Case studies in climate risk insurance

Module 7: Technology and Innovation

• Using satellite data for agricultural assessments
• The role of mobile payments in green finance
• Leveraging FinTech for green product distribution
• Data management for climate-related projects
• The future of innovation in climate finance

Module 8: Funding and Partnerships

• Sourcing capital for green finance initiatives
• The role of international climate funds and green bonds
• Partnering with development finance institutions
• Collaborating with NGOs and government agencies
• Building a network for green finance

Module 9: Strategic Implementation

• Developing a green finance strategy for an MFI
• Training staff on climate change and green products
• Integrating climate metrics into an MFI's social performance
• The importance of monitoring and evaluation
• Creating a long-term plan for sustainability

Module 10: Policy, Advocacy, and the Future

• The role of a supportive regulatory environment
• Advocating for green finance policies
• The future of microfinance as a key player in climate action
• The link between microfinance and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Global trends and emerging opportunities in climate finance

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.