Training Course on Agroforestry Systems for Food Security and Climate Resilience

Introduction

Agroforestry—the deliberate integration of trees, crops, and livestock in the same land-use system—is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and climate-smart land management. In the face of climate change, land degradation, deforestation, and food insecurity, agroforestry systems offer innovative solutions that combine ecological resilience, livelihood improvement, and environmental sustainability.

Agroforestry enhances food security by diversifying crop production, improving soil health, reducing erosion, and regulating water cycles. At the same time, it strengthens climate resilience through carbon sequestration, microclimate regulation, and biodiversity conservation. For farming households, agroforestry provides multiple income streams—from timber, fruits, nuts, and fodder to carbon credits and ecosystem services—making it a vital approach for smallholder resilience and sustainable development.

This training course, organized by Kincaid Development Center, equips participants with practical knowledge and skills to design, implement, and manage agroforestry systems that address food security challenges while enhancing climate resilience. Combining scientific foundations, policy insights, and hands-on field practices, the program bridges research and practice, empowering stakeholders to drive impact at local, national, and global levels.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive Certificate of Participation.

Course Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the principles and concepts of agroforestry systems.
2. Assess the role of agroforestry in enhancing food security and climate resilience.
3. Identify different types of agroforestry practices and their ecological and economic benefits.
4. Apply tools and techniques for designing and implementing agroforestry systems.
5. Evaluate the role of agroforestry in soil health, water management, and biodiversity conservation.
6. Analyze agroforestry’s contribution to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
7. Explore value chains, markets, and livelihood opportunities from agroforestry products.
8. Examine policy frameworks and financing options for scaling up agroforestry.
9. Learn from regional and global best practices in agroforestry.
10. Develop actionable strategies for integrating agroforestry into sustainable land-use planning.

Duration

5 Days Intensive Training Program

Who Should Attend

Agricultural and forestry professionals

Climate change practitioners and sustainability experts

Environmental NGOs and development partners

Policy makers and planners in agriculture, forestry, and environment

Researchers, academicians, and students in agriculture and natural resource management

Private sector actors in agribusiness, forestry, and carbon markets

Community leaders and extension officers promoting climate-smart practices

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Agroforestry and Climate Resilience

• Introduction to agroforestry systems: concepts and principles
• Historical and cultural perspectives on agroforestry
• Agroforestry and sustainable development goals (SDGs)
• Ecosystem services provided by agroforestry
• Agroforestry as a nature-based solution for climate change

Day 2: Agroforestry Practices and Systems

• Types of agroforestry systems: alley cropping, silvopasture, windbreaks, multistrata systems, forest farming
• Agroforestry for smallholder farmers and subsistence agriculture
• Tree-crop-livestock interactions in integrated systems
• Agroforestry in drylands, highlands, and humid zones
• Case studies of successful agroforestry interventions globally and regionally

Day 3: Agroforestry for Food Security and Livelihoods

• Soil fertility improvement and nutrient cycling through agroforestry
• Agroforestry and water conservation in farming landscapes
• Enhancing food diversity and nutrition security with agroforestry crops
• Income diversification from agroforestry: fruits, timber, fodder, honey, and non-timber products
• Market access and value chain development for agroforestry products
• Gender and social inclusion in agroforestry-based livelihoods

Day 4: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation through Agroforestry

• Agroforestry and carbon sequestration: opportunities and measurement tools
• Enhancing microclimate resilience for crops and livestock
• Agroforestry in ecosystem restoration and land rehabilitation
• Agroforestry and REDD+ linkages
• Climate-smart agroforestry policies and strategies
• Tools for assessing climate resilience in farming communities

Day 5: Policy, Financing, and Future Pathways for Agroforestry

• National and regional policy frameworks for agroforestry
• Role of governments, NGOs, and private sector in scaling agroforestry
• Financing options: carbon credits, green bonds, and PES (Payments for Ecosystem Services)
• Innovative technologies in agroforestry: GIS, drones, and digital tools
• Capacity building and community engagement for agroforestry adoption
• Capstone exercise: Designing an agroforestry system for food security and climate resilience

General Notes

• The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
• The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
• All participants will additionally cater for their travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
• Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
• This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org

Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org