Training Course on Agroecology Principles and Practice for Resilient Farming

Training Course on Agroecology Principles and Practice for Resilient Farming

Introduction

Agroecology is a transformative and sustainable approach to farming that integrates ecological principles with modern agricultural practices. As climate change, food insecurity, and environmental degradation increasingly threaten global food systems, agroecology offers a pathway toward resilient farming and regenerative land management. Training Course on Agroecology Principles and Practice for Resilient Farming is designed to equip farmers, practitioners, and stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to transition toward agroecological systems that enhance biodiversity, soil health, food sovereignty, and climate resilience.

By exploring cutting-edge agroecological innovations, community-based farming models, and regenerative agriculture practices, this course empowers participants to implement sustainable farming systems adapted to local realities. Emphasis is placed on systems thinking, circular resource use, ecological balance, and inclusive knowledge co-creation, ensuring practical application and long-term sustainability.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the core principles of agroecology and their real-world application.
2. Analyze the interrelationship between biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem services.
3. Implement climate-smart agriculture and adaptive techniques for resilient farming.
4. Apply regenerative agriculture practices to restore degraded land and enhance productivity.
5. Design and manage integrated farming systems for ecological balance and economic viability.
6. Utilize organic inputs and composting to reduce dependency on synthetic chemicals.
7. Enhance water use efficiency and soil moisture retention through agroecological methods.
8. Promote seed sovereignty and the use of indigenous crop varieties.
9. Strengthen farmer-led innovations and participatory knowledge exchange.
10. Evaluate market access strategies for agroecological products.
11. Explore agroecology and gender roles in inclusive sustainable agriculture.
12. Interpret policy frameworks that support agroecological transitions.
13. Develop community-based agroecological action plans for implementation.

Target Audience

1. Smallholder Farmers
2. Agricultural Extension Officers
3. Agribusiness Entrepreneurs
4. Climate Change Practitioners
5. NGOs and Community Leaders
6. Policy Makers and Government Planners
7. Agroecology Researchers and Academics
8. Students of Agricultural Sciences

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Agroecology and Sustainability

• Definition and history of agroecology
• Key principles and benefits of agroecological systems
• Agroecology vs. conventional agriculture
• Sustainable farming and SDGs
• Agroecology as a response to climate change
• Case Study: Cuban agroecological revolution post-1990s food crisis

Module 2: Soil Health and Agroecological Practices

• Soil biology and fertility in agroecosystems
• Natural nutrient cycling
• Organic matter management and composting
• Biofertilizers and cover crops
• Preventing soil erosion and degradation
• Case Study: Regeneration of soils in Ethiopia through agroecological land use

Module 3: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

• Importance of crop diversity and polycultures
• Enhancing beneficial insects and pest control
• Creating agroforestry systems
• Ecological interactions in farming
• Conservation of native species
• Case Study: Biodiverse home gardens in Nepal for resilient livelihoods

Module 4: Climate Resilience and Agroecology

• Agroecology as climate adaptation strategy
• Carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction
• Building drought and flood-resilient systems
• Climate-resilient crop choices
• Early warning and risk reduction tools
• Case Study: Climate-resilient agroecological zones in Kenya’s drylands

Module 5: Agroecological Livelihoods and Marketing

• Local economies and value addition
• Accessing organic and fair trade markets
• Branding agroecological products
• Farm-to-table supply chains
• Building cooperatives and farmer networks
• Case Study: Farmer cooperatives in Brazil's agroecology movement

Module 6: Gender, Equity, and Indigenous Knowledge

• Women’s roles in agroecological transitions
• Gender-sensitive agroecological planning
• Indigenous knowledge systems
• Intergenerational knowledge transfer
• Inclusive leadership in food systems
• Case Study: Maasai women-led agroecology groups in Tanzania

Module 7: Participatory Learning and Farmer Innovation

• Farmer field schools and co-learning
• Participatory research and experimentation
• Peer-to-peer agroecological extension
• Indigenous technologies and innovation
• Building community seed banks
• Case Study: Farmer-led innovation platforms in India

Module 8: Policy, Advocacy, and Agroecological Governance

• Global agroecology frameworks (FAO, UN)
• Agroecological policies in Africa and Latin America
• Advocating for land and food rights
• Integrating agroecology in national agricultural plans
• Funding and investment opportunities
• Case Study: Senegal’s agroecology national policy initiative

Training Methodology

• Participatory workshops and group discussions
• Field demonstrations and hands-on activities
• Multimedia presentations and expert talks
• Case study analysis and role-playing
• Reflective journaling and peer learning
• Action plan development and mentorship

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.