Forestry and Agroforestry for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation

Forests and agroforestry systems are critical natural infrastructures that build resilience against disasters and climate shocks. They reduce soil erosion, regulate water flows, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity — all of which contribute directly to sustainable livelihoods and climate adaptation. Integrating forestry and agroforestry practices into disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies offers an innovative, nature-based approach to managing floods, droughts, landslides, and climate-induced hazards.

This 5-day professional course equips participants with the knowledge and tools to use forestry and agroforestry systems as effective mechanisms for climate adaptation, resilience building, and sustainable land management. It combines scientific insights, policy perspectives, and practical field-based strategies that align with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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

Course Objectives

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

1. Understand the linkages between forestry, agroforestry, and disaster risk reduction.
2. Apply nature-based solutions to enhance climate adaptation and community resilience.
3. Identify and design agroforestry systems that mitigate the impacts of floods, droughts, and erosion.
4. Integrate DRR principles into forestry and landscape management programs.
5. Assess policy frameworks and institutional mechanisms that support forestry-based adaptation.
6. Strengthen local capacity in early warning, risk assessment, and ecosystem restoration.
7. Develop action plans for implementing community-driven forestry and agroforestry interventions.

Course Duration

5 Days (Intensive Training Program)

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

• Forestry and environmental officers
• Climate change and disaster risk reduction practitioners
• Agricultural extension and land management officers
• Natural resource planners and ecosystem restoration specialists
• Policy makers and government officials in environment, agriculture, and DRR sectors
• NGOs, CBOs, and donor agencies implementing resilience and adaptation projects
• Researchers, consultants, and educators in forestry and climate fields

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Forestry, Agroforestry, and Climate Resilience

• Overview of forest ecosystems and agroforestry systems
• Understanding disaster risk and climate adaptation concepts
• Role of forests and trees in ecosystem stability
• Global frameworks for DRR and climate adaptation (Sendai, Paris, SDGs)

Module 2: Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR)

• Principles and approaches of ecosystem-based DRR
• Case studies on forest-based flood and landslide control
• Watershed and catchment management strategies
• Agroforestry’s role in reducing drought vulnerability

Module 3: Designing Climate-Resilient Agroforestry Systems

• Tree–crop–livestock integration for resilience
• Species selection for soil and water conservation
• Agroforestry for carbon sequestration and land restoration
• Climate-smart agriculture and adaptive management techniques

Module 4: Policy, Governance, and Institutional Frameworks

• National and international policies on forestry and DRR
• Institutional collaboration between forestry, agriculture, and DRR agencies
• Community-based natural resource management models
• Gender, equity, and inclusion in forestry-based adaptation

Module 5: Tools and Techniques for Risk Assessment and Planning

• Vulnerability and risk mapping using GIS and remote sensing
• Early warning systems and community preparedness
• Monitoring and evaluation of forestry-based DRR projects
• Integrating DRR into forest management and development plans

Module 6: Green Business and Livelihood Opportunities

• Economic value of ecosystem services and resilience investments
• Sustainable forest enterprises and agroforestry value chains
• Accessing climate and green finance for forestry projects
• Linking adaptation to livelihood diversification and poverty reduction

Module 7: Field Practicum and Action Planning

• Field visit to agroforestry and reforestation sites
• Group work: developing a forestry-based DRR strategy
• Presentation of project action plans and feedback session
• Course review, evaluation, and certification

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