International Training on Agricultural Risk Management Strategy, Policy, and Mainstreaming

Course Background

The agricultural sector is inherently exposed to a wide range of risks, including climatic shocks, market volatility, pest and disease outbreaks, and policy changes. These risks pose significant threats to farmers’ livelihoods, agricultural productivity, and national food security. While numerous risk management tools exist, the primary challenge lies in integrating them into comprehensive, multi-level strategies and effectively mainstreaming these approaches into broader agricultural policies and programs. Without a coordinated effort, risks can undermine development gains and perpetuate cycles of vulnerability within agrifood systems.

ECAS Institute, dedicated to building robust and resilient agricultural systems, recognizes the critical need for integrated Agricultural Risk Management (ARM). This training course strengthens strategic planning and implementation of ARM across different scales and stakeholder groups. By providing a structured framework and promoting collaborative approaches, ECAS aims to empower professionals to design and operationalize ARM strategies that are effective and sustainable.

Course Objectives

Describe an Agricultural Risk Management (ARM) strategy at the farm (micro), local (meso), and national (macro) levels.

Compare and select appropriate risk management tools to create effective ARM plans and strategies.

Explain the roles and responsibilities of all major stakeholders in formulating and implementing ARM strategies.

Understand how information systems, capacity development, and mainstreaming can contribute to making ARM strategies effective and sustainable.

What You Will Learn

Conceptualizing and describing ARM strategies tailored to different scales, from individual farms to national agricultural sectors.

Evaluating and choosing suitable risk management tools to construct comprehensive ARM plans.

Understanding the specific roles and collaborative responsibilities of diverse stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and service providers.

Recognizing the essential role of supportive elements such as robust information systems, targeted capacity development, and strategic mainstreaming.

Duration and Program

The course is structured into four comprehensive lessons. Detailed program schedules, including session timings and interactive elements, will be communicated prior to the commencement of training.

Target Participants

Farmers and farm management advisors: Those directly impacted by agricultural risks and involved in farm-level decision-making.

Policymakers and government officials: Individuals responsible for creating and implementing national and sub-national agricultural policies and programs.

Service and input providers: Organizations and individuals dealing with ARM services, such as insurance providers, financial institutions, and extension services.

Training Modules

NoModuleDetails1Implementing Risk Management Strategy at the Farm Level (Micro)Focuses on how individual farmers and farm management units identify, assess, and implement risk management strategies. Covers common farm-level risks, tools for risk assessment, and on-farm mitigation strategies.2Implementing Risk Management Strategy at the Local Area Level (Meso)Examines how communities, local governments, and organizations collaborate to manage shared risks. Covers identifying collective risks, developing local risk management plans, and the role of community institutions.3Implementing Risk Management Strategy at the National Level (Macro)Focuses on national-level ARM policies and programs. Covers national agricultural risk profiles, designing national ARM policies, and harmonizing strategies with international frameworks.4The Role of Government, Capacity Building, and Mainstreaming of ARMCovers government’s role, strategies for capacity development, and mainstreaming ARM into broader agricultural and development agendas.

Training Style

The training includes lectures, PowerPoint presentations, case studies, field visits, breakout sessions, and interactive discussions. Guest speakers will provide real-world insights both in-person and via online platforms. Faculty includes experienced decision-makers and practitioners from educational and research institutions.

General Notes

Training manuals and reference materials will be provided.

Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion.

Tailor-made courses can be arranged—contact info@ecasiafrica.org.

Payment should be sent to the ECAS bank account before training and proof sent to info@ecasiafrica.org.

About ECAS Institute

ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent training, research, and consulting services focused on climate change, resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solutions, biodiversity conservation, agriculture, and food systems. Located in Nairobi, Kenya, ECAS operates across Africa and has supported partners globally including the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and the USA.