The program began with an in-depth exploration and explanation of climate change science, focusing on understanding of the climate models, downscaling, projections, and uncertainties related to climate change. This foundational knowledge base laid the groundwork for effectively introducing participants to the key concepts and practices of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). The participants gained critical insights into selecting and implementing locally tailored Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices, with a strong emphasis on strategies to scale up these interventions in their regions to effectively combat adverse impacts of climate change.

Subsequent training sessions provided an in-depth exploration of climate hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities, and risk indicators, empowering participants to critically analyze and address the impacts of climate change on agriculture. Furthermore, a focused module on climate-smart water technologies showcased cutting-edge practices for optimizing water management in agriculture. The training also underscored the critical importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate change and CSA practices, addressing the intersection of gender, climate change, and agricultural resilience, while highlighting the essential roles women play in agricultural practices.

Another critical component of the training focused on effective communication strategies, with targeted sessions designed to sharpen participants’ skills in engaging and mobilizing farming communities. The program integrated interactive sessions, hands-on exercises, case study analyses, and dynamic group discussions to maximize the impact and effectiveness of the training. Participants were organized into groups to tackle hypothetical scenarios, where they analyzed potential climate hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities, and risks, fostering a collaborative and deeply practical learning environment.

 “Experiencing CSA in Action”

A standout moment of the training was the field visit on the last day to the Rajabas site, where participants witnessed firsthand the implementation of climate-smart agricultural technologies at the farmers’ field level. This practical exercise solidified the theoretical knowledge acquired during the sessions, giving participants a concrete understanding of the implementation and advantages of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices. The field visit also featured direct interactions with farming communities, providing deep insights into the water-smart agricultural techniques being adopted and their practical impact.

The Training of Trainers (ToT) Program on Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) was pivotal in advancing the knowledge and skills of extension officers to enhance climate-resilient agricultural systems in Madhesh province, Nepal. A weeklong empowerment and knowledge transfer laid the groundwork for developing more resilient and adaptive agricultural systems, contributing to sustainable agricultural development.