Background

Climate change is a significant challenge facing the agricultural sector in Somalia. The changing climate has led to droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall patterns, which have had a significant impact on agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The weak institutions, insecurity, and conflict in Somalia have also hindered the development of the agricultural sector. Thus, there is a need to build the capacity of farmers and extension workers in climate-smart agriculture practices to improve the resilience of the agricultural sector.

This capacity building program aims to improve the knowledge and skills of 20 farmers and 5 extension workers from line ministries in climate-smart agriculture in Mogadishu, Somalia. The program will address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Somalia, including climate change, weak institutions, drought, flooding, and insecurity. The program will be implemented by Green Somali Initiative (GSI) with funding from Royal Thai. The program will be held at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia and will be conducted over eight days.

2.   Context

Somalia has a predominantly agrarian economy, with agriculture accounting for about 60% of the country’s GDP. However, the pre-existing vulnerabilities of two decades of conflict, climate change, weak institutions, drought, flooding, and insecurity have had a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Somalia. The capacity building program aims to address these challenges by improving the knowledge and skills of farmers and extension workers in climate-smart agriculture practices.

3.     Rationale:

The capacity building program is essential because it will improve the knowledge and skills of farmers and extension workers in climate-smart agriculture practices. The program will promote sustainable agricultural practices that conserve natural resources and protect the environment. The program will also increase the resilience of the agricultural sector to the impacts of climate change and other challenges faced by the sector.

4.     Objectives

The main objective of the capacity building program is to build the capacity of farmers and extension workers in climate-smart agriculture practices

The specific objectives are:

1. To increase awareness of the impacts of climate change on agriculture
2. To provide training on climate-smart agriculture practices
3. To build the capacity of farmers and extension workers to adapt to the changing climate
4. To promote sustainable agricultural practices that conserve natural resources and protect the environment
5. To promote farmers who are:
6. Proud of their occupation.
7. Independent in thinking.

• Constructive in outlook.

1. Capable, efficient and self-reliant in character.

5.     Expected Results

The expected results of the capacity building program are:

• Increased awareness of the impacts of climate change on agriculture
• Improved knowledge and skills on climate-smart agriculture practices among farmers and extension workers
• Increased capacity of farmers and extension workers to adapt to the changing climate
• Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices that conserve natural resources and protect the environment

6.     Methodology:

The capacity building program will be conducted through lectures, interactive sessions, and practical exercises. The program will be participatory and will encourage active participation from the participants. The program will also include

• Theoretical Presentation understanding climate risk management
• Participatory learning approach and effective presentation skills that can make both literacy and illiteracy women active during the training sessions
• Group presentation solutions
• Pre-storming and plenary discussions.
• Sharing experiences.
• Recommended readings and videos
• field demonstrations that will make it easier for women to understand the sessions (Practical exercise)

7.     Planning Activities:

The planning activities for the capacity building program will include identifying the training needs of the participants, developing the training curriculum, and selecting the venue for the training. The planning activities will also include identifying the logistics and materials required for the training, such as training materials, transportation, and accommodation.

8.     Organizational:

The capacity building program will be organized by Green Somali Initiative (GSI), a local non-governmental organization that focuses on sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. GSI has experience in implementing capacity-building programs for farmers in Somalia and has a network of trained facilitators who will implement the program.

9.     Funding:

The capacity building program will be funded by Royal Thai. Royal Thai has a commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture and natural resource management in developing countries.

10.Date and Venue:

• 8 days ( ……………..), the specific dates of the program will be determined in consultation with local stakeholders.
• Venue: Jazeera, Hotel. The capacity building program will be held at the Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia.

11.Participants:

The participants in the capacity building program will be 20 farmers and 5 extension workers from line ministries in Mogadishu, Somalia. 25 participants are expected to attend the training. The participants will be selected based on specific criteria, including their willingness to participate in the program and their commitment to improving their agricultural practices.

12.Materials or Logistic Requirements:

The materials and logistic requirements for the capacity building program will include:

• Training materials, including handouts, manuals, and presentations
• Field visit logistics, including transportation and accommodation
• Venue logistics, including participant incentives, Lunch and refreshments, and venue commence

13.Workplan and Timeline:

The capacity building program will be conducted over eight days. The following is a tentative workplan and timeline for the program:

Day 1: Introduction to Climate-Smart Agriculture and Program Objectives

Day 2-3: Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture

Day 4-5: Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices

Day 6-7: Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies

Day 8: Review of the Program, Feedback from Participants, and Closing Ceremony