Training course on Resilient Livelihoods in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya

Most rural dwellers are accustomed to relying on their local environs for water, food and energy. These crucial resources are the main source of livelihood of for these communities and are especially essential for the sustainability of their lifestyles and wellbeing. Hence, when disasters occur, it is expected for such communities to suffer from reduced income, food insecurity, interruption of market access, or even the loss of livelihoods. 

Pests, diseases, food contamination, and drought are some of the most influential disasters that have a direct economic impact on trade, food production, and employment. 

Disaster risk reduction entails the protection of people’s livelihoods from disaster shocks and the enhancement of the capacity to absorb and recover from unexpected events. 

This course is most suitable for various professionals in the Agriculture Extension (senior agricultural officials Agricultural extension officers, and policy makers) working with in governments, funding agencies, Research organizations, communities, and non-government organizations among others for Agriculture support activities and other Development programs.

Duration

5 days

Course outcomes:

• Develop and enhance the management of community-based livelihoods as well as distaster response and preparedness mechanisms.

• Improve access to adequate sanitation and knowledge and practices of health and hygiene

• Improve agricultural infrastructure and agricultural practices

• Improve home-based livelihood opportunities for the rural poor through marketing training and by supporting the establishment and capacity-building

• Improve food production in households, as well as consumption and dietary diversity.

• Understand various terms in food security and risk reduction

Outline of topics to be covered in the program:

Threats to food and nutrition security

• Climate change, particularly the expected increase in the frequency and intensity of weather related hazards

• Environmental conditions e.g. dessertificaiton, land degradation, and water scarcity.

• Food chain emergencies of trans boundary threats

• Socio-economic crises

• Natural hazards (drought, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes/typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides)

Disaster Risk Reduction for food and nutrition security

• Critical roles of early warning systems

• Importance of risk prevention measures and mitigation

• Importance of communication,  improved monitoring of emerging threats, and risk preparedness, to food nutrition security

• Risk detection, mitigation and prevention measures

Effects of climate change and disasters on:

• Farmers’ incomes

• Agricultural productivity

• Production stability

Approaches and practices for building resilient livelihoods

• Crop diversification

• Integrated pest management

• Livelihoods diversification

• Natural resource management

• Postharvest Management

Enabling environment for resilient livelihoods

• Capacity development and local support

• Institutional structures and coordination

• Legal policy framework

Course Schedule